By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

While the Calgary Stampeders will aim to defeat the Ottawa RedBlacks at McMahon Stadium on Saturday night, fans in attendance can help conquer hunger in Canada through the team’s annual Purolator Tackle Hunger Food Drive.

Stamps supporters are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make cash donations outside stadium gates prior to kickoff. Purolator volunteers will be on hand throughout the collection process as all proceeds will directly benefit the Calgary Food Bank.

Veteran defensive back Keon Raymond, a long-time proud supporter of the Purolator Tackle Hunger initiative, has first-hand experience of growing up with a minimal supply of dietary essentials.

“It’s huge for people to be able to open up their hearts and be able to give back,” said Raymond. “It’s a tremendous thing to be able to show someone else how much you care. I think the CFL is doing a tremendous thing around the league going to each stadium (with) people being able to donate. Honestly, growing up as a kid, I benefitted from (a food bank). We didn’t have much food when I was growing up so we visited the food bank often. So these things are huge.”

Now in its 13th season, the league-wide Purolator Tackle Hunger program has delivered more than eight million pounds of food to needy individuals across the country. Citizens of Calgary have set the single-game food-donation record for four consecutive years, including 258,000 pounds of food in 2014 alone.

“It shows that this city has a tremendous heart,” the St. Louis native explained when asked about the perpetual generosity of Red and White supporters. “Just the spirit of giving in this city is huge, for charities all around. I think for us to be able to set a record four years straight, I’m looking forward to (making it) five years. That’s one of the main reasons why I enjoy living here with my family because it’s such a humble place, but it’s also a giving place.”

Raymond identified the significance of giving back to the community via the Purolator Tackle Hunger Food Drive and described the impact that food donations had on both him and his family as a young child. With the invaluable support he once received, No. 25 hopes the Stampeder faithful will not only cheer on the home team during Saturday’s game, but also demonstrate compassion for local residents in need of their next meal.

“I speak from experience and I know how important it is when you go to the refrigerator and there’s no food, but someone has the opportunity to give what they have to bless your family,” remarked Raymond, who now resides is Calgary year-round with his wife and four kids. “I was very fortunate, with a single mom and a brother and sister, for us to be able to have something that someone else opened up their heart to give to us.

“You never know who you’re helping, and I’m pretty sure the people who were helping to donate food to us would probably never think that I’d be up here (in Canada) as a pro football player. It speaks volumes to people’s hearts and how often and regularly they give.”

Can’t make it to the game? Click here to donate online