For the second year in a row, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is the winner of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award.

The award, which was instituted in 2013, annually honours a Calgary Stampeders player who distinguishes himself in the field of community service. One of the franchise’s all-time greats, Herm Harrison played for the Stampeders from 1964-72 and was a West Division all-star on six occasions and a CFL all-star three times. Harrison settled in Calgary after his playing career and was an active member of numerous community activities as an alumnus.

“I’m very honoured to receive the Herm Harrison Memorial Award,” said Mitchell, a five-year veteran out of Eastern Washington University. “My wife Madison and I will continue to strive to be role models to all children throughout Canada and make a positive impact in the Calgary community.”

Mitchell, a Texas native who now lives in Calgary year-round, is involved in numerous charitable causes in Calgary and Southern Alberta and has even started one of his own, launching Mitchell’s Miracle Day in 2015.

Mitchell’s Miracle Day consists of Mitchell and his wife bringing underprivileged youngsters from different families on a Christmas shopping spree to purchase gifts for their families. The goal of the program is to show the children the importance of giving and doing good deeds for others.

The kids then have dinner and go bowling with the Mitchells before being surprised with gifts from their own wish lists. Mitchell also collects donations from local restaurants and entertainment spots which are passed along to the families in order to provide them with quality time together. Mitchell is looking to expand the program to help more families without sacrificing the personal and direct involvement he has with the youngsters.

Mitchell also works with young athletes through Bo’s QB Club as he hosts 10 to 15 kids at every Stamps home game and visits with them afterwards. In addition to imparting football advice, he speaks to the young players about the importance of being involved in their community and making a difference.

Mitchell works with a number of other charitable organizations including Vecova, an organization whose mandate is to help create a society in which individuals with disabilities are integral and valued members, and YouthLink Calgary, a program dedicated to helping youth to make positive life choices and become responsible citizens in their communities. He also serves as an instructor of the Dickenson Passing Academy.

Mitchell sits on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area board and earlier this year worked with former Canadian Olympian Michael Smith in a fundraising campaign that brought more than $200,000 to the organization. Mitchell himself is a Big Brother and his wife Madison is in the process of becoming a Big Sister. Mitchell also takes part in bi-weekly PRYME (Police Recreational Youth Mentoring Experience) events. PRYME’s mission is to give young people the unique opportunity to build positive relationships with members of the Calgary Police Service.

Mitchell also takes part in numerous other community endeavours including the TELUS Stamp of Champ program, focusing on youth empowerment and online safety, fundraising events for various charitable causes and the Stamps’ off-season basketball program with visits to local schools.