The Calgary Stampeders are pleased to announce their latest community initiative – partnering with the Canadian Red Cross to deliver the Beyond the Hurt anti-bullying campaign.
 
Stamps players Justin Conn, Eric Fraser and Corey Mace will share bullying and harassment prevention advice with youths aged 12 and up in southern Alberta. Beyond the Hurt explores all aspects of bullying and peer harassment, interpersonal power issues and the rights and responsibilities of individuals, as well as prevention and intervention strategies.
 
“It was clear from the moment we were contacted by the Red Cross that the Stampeders would be a perfect fit to be involved in this program,” said Lyle Bauer, president and COO of the Stamps. “Our players are leaders and role models in the community and we’re sure that their work with this program will have tremendous impact on Alberta’s youth.”
 
Stamps players will deliver 90-120 minute sessions to schools and community groups in the Calgary area and throughout southern Alberta. The sessions will engage and equip youth with the resources needed to help reduce the likelihood of bullying behaviour. The Stampeders are one of three CFL teams that now work with the Red Cross on the program, with the Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders being the others.
 
“Canadian Red Cross is very proud that our Violence and Abuse prevention workshops will have a great new partner,” said Rhonda Schwab, provincial manager of RespectED: Violence and Abuse Prevention for the Red Cross. “These workshops will provide a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of our youth.”
 
The Canadian Red Cross has been helping to break the cycle of hurt for more than 25 years through its RespectEd: Violence and Abuse Prevention programs. The programs promote healthier relationships and safer communities through prevention education and partnerships.
 
Schools and community groups in southern Alberta that want to book members of the Stampeders to speak to students and youngsters can call the Red Cross at (403) 541-6118.
 
Today’s announcement adds to a long list of Stampeders community initiatives in Calgary and beyond. The football club is also involved in programs with, among others, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Canadian Blood Services, the United Way, Canadian Cancer Society, Salvation Army and KidSport. For more information on the team’s community initiatives, visit Stampeders.com