The generosity of Calgary Stampeders fans was once again in evidence for the 20th anniversary of the Purolator Tackle Hunger program.

Leading up to and on the day of the Stamps’ June 24 contest against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, 52,408 pounds of food or the cash equivalent were collected for the benefit of the Calgary Food Bank. That represents a 25-per cent increase compared to last year’s donations.

On game day alone, 25,000 pounds of food and $11,000 in cash donations were collected.

“We can’t thank our fans enough for their compassion and generosity,” said Stampeders vice-president of business operations Jay McNeil. “We’re very proud of them and of our partnership with Purolator on this crucial cause.”

More than 20 million pounds of food having been collected across the country to help alleviate food insecurity in Canadian communities since the inception of the Purolator Tackle Hunger program in 2003.