For a 10th consecutive season, the Calgary Stampeders and their fans will be teaming up with the Salvation Army to provide warmth and comfort for the less fortunate in the community. The annual Salvation Army Coat Drive will take place during this Friday’s game at McMahon Stadium as the Stamps play host to the BC Lions.

Fans are asked to donate new and gently used coats or cash to ensure all members of the Calgary community enjoy a secure winter. Salvation Army volunteers will be stationed at the stadium entrance gates prior to Friday’s game to accept donations.

Quarterback Drew Tate — the Stampeders representative for the program — will be present at the Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope (420 9th Ave. SE) on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. to deliver, sort and distribute the coats to Salvation Army clients.

“The winter weather makes it crucial that everyone — young and old — have access to warmth,” said Tate. “Our fans care for their community and their support of the Coat Drive shows that passion in action.”

Once again, the Stampeders coaches, administration staff and Stampeder Outriders are also rising to the occasion by conducting their own coat drive to benefit the Salvation Army.

The generosity of Stampeders fans has been on display for many years as the Coat Drive has resulted in the collection of more than 9,000 coats and $20,000 in cash donations including record totals of 1,200 coats and nearly $3,000 in 2010.