Follow CALGARY STAMPEDERS

© 2024 Calgary Stampeders. All rights reserved.

Menu
Community December 18, 2023

Spreading Holiday Cheer

‘Tis the season of giving.

To get into the holiday spirit, the Stampeders have been spending time in the community and giving back to those in need.

Over the course of December, players have supported Calgary Children’s Pledge Day and the 3rd annual Toy Drive in the memory of Sgt. Andrew Harnett, made visits to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, teamed up with Tammy Truman to serve Christmas dinner to seniors, played Stamps basketball games at local schools, and head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson teamed up with the Salvation Army to collect donations at Chinook Centre.

RELATED
» 2024 Stampeders Schedule
» Purchase New Season Tickets Now
» Tammy Truman and Stampeders Foundation Seniors Lunch 2023
» Christmas Cookie Decorating

Most recently, Red and White alum and Grey Cup champion Pee Wee Smith hosted a turkey drive at McMahon Stadium with all proceeds donated to the Airdrie Food Bank. Rene Paredes and Tre Roberson joined Smith to help encourage Calgarians to come support.

“It’s always great to be involved in the community,” said Roberson. “Just being out there and showing face and being able to connect with different people – my kids are in the community and play a lot of sports, and we love to be involved and feel like we’re a part of Calgary.”

Roberson and his wife, Amanda, also initiated the “SHARE A SMILE” donation drive in early December where fans could come and donate items for Alberta youth this Christmas. The pair collected toys, clothes, books, and monetary donations in support of local Calgary and Airdrie organizations such as Magic of Christmas, BCG Airdrie Club and Airdrie Raiders Spring Football. Teammates Joshua Coker, Colton Hunchak, and Marken Michel joined them in support.

“Growing up,” began Roberson, “there were times when we needed help for clothes and things like that and we had access to toy drives and things, so that’s something my wife and I wanted to do and be able to give back to people that need it.

“We know how hard it is during these times and having to provide for your kids and pay rent, so if we can take a burden off of someone and try to help someone out then that’s what we want to do.”

And the Robersons are passing down their giving spirit to their children as well.

“It’s very important (for them to be involved). They love doing it too, they love being out and meeting people. It also builds their confidence growing up, and it gives them memories they can live with and take with them.”