Calgary Stampeders punter Rob Maver has been named the 2018 winner of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award.

The award was instituted in 2013 and annually recognizes a Stampeders player for their outstanding involvement in 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 remained in Calgary following his playing days where he remained an active member of numerous community initiatives.

As this year’s recipient, Maver most notably co-chaired the Rob Maver Guts N Glory flag football tournament in September and helped raise $44,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

“Knowing the impact Herm Harrison had our on community, it is a tremendous honour to receive an award that represents his legacy,” said Maver, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Stamps since being drafted by the Red and White in 2010. “I’m so grateful for all of the support the Stampeders have provided me with in the pursuit of my charitable endeavours, along with the opportunity to provide more exposure for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.”

Maver’s second annual flag football tournament took place at McMahon Stadium in September and saw a $22,000 increase in funds raised compared to the event’s inaugural year. Maver committed hundreds of hours in a leadership role as he was responsible for planning efforts, facility arrangements, media partnerships and fundraising and sponsorship coordination. Maver hopes to assist Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in eventually expanding this event into the eight remaining CFL cities.

His work with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada also included the Kicking Chron’s in the Butt program, sponsored by Truman Insurance. For each punting yard Maver accumulated this season, Truman Insuance donated $1 to the Calgary chapter of Chron’s and Colitis Canada. That resulted in a total donation of $5,143.

Maver also made visits to Camp Got2Go at Easter Seals Camp Horizon in nearby Bragg Creek, speaking engagements at various information nights and conferences such as GUTS and hosting Social Nights for those suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

In addition, Maver hosts Multi-Agency School Support Teams through a partnership with the Calgary Police Service. This program is directed toward at-risk youth to discuss the value of making good choices through the offering of crucial social resources.

Maver also serves as a TELUS Wise ambassador, presenting to students at local schools on the topics of online safety, cyberbullying and maintaining a clean digital footprint.