The Calgary Stampeders kick-off their season Friday against the B.C. Lions. Before the game begins Mayor Naheed Nenshi will be in attendance to help pay tribute to first-responses for their heroic efforts and Calgarians and Southern Albertans for their sprit throughout the crisis. A moment of silence will be observed in respect to those who lost their lives as a result of the disaster.
The theme for the season opener will be “Let’s Do Whatever It Takes to Support Southern Alberta”. Stamps fans will have an opportunity to make a contribution to the Canadian Red Cross. “The fans’ message to us was loud and clear,” said Stampeders president Gordon Norrie. “They wanted to do whatever it takes to help their fellow citizens in their time of dire need and we are more than happy to provide them with that opportunity. The Canadian Red Cross is renowned for their excellent work and we couldn’t be more pleased to be partnering with them at this critical time.”
Fans will be able to make donations at the entrance gates on Friday and proceeds from the 50/50 draw will go to the Canadian Red Cross through the Stamps Foundation for flood relief efforts. The Stampeders organization has elected to cancel its annual pre-season team dinner and donate the money that was earmarked for the event to the Canadian Red Cross.
“This has been a very difficult time in Southern Alberta and the community’s resilience in this tragic time has been astounding,” said Norrie. “These have been the worst of times and yet we have seen time and time again that the tragedy has brought on the best in our citizens. We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this community.”
Game time is 8:00pm; tributes will take place prior to this. For more information visit the Calgary Stampeders website.
