Calgary Stampeders D-line coach Corey Mace talks turkey ahead of annual charity drive
Walking in the parking lot at McMahon stadium, Corey Mace is drumming up support for his ninth annual turkey drive.
On this day, he ran into Stamps linebacker Fraser Sopik, who wanted to know where he could buy a turkey to donate.
Mace was happy to oblige.
"You want to buy some?" I'll get you the information Soap (Sopik), you're a good man," said Mace.
Talking turkey at this time of year is a passion for the Stampeders defensive line coach. The turkey drive helps provide a holiday meal for hundreds of local families.
Mace says he can't believe it's in its ninth year.
"Being here now in 2021, this was always the goa that it would get to the stage that it is at," he said.
"When you set down and digest that this is the ninth annual, it's incredible."
Last year was different for Mace's turkey drive. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic there wasn't a drop off and Mace says he's looking forward to greeting people again this year.
"On Dec. 17 we'll be right here at McMahon Stadium in the administration building on the southwest side from noon to 5 p.m. doing the traditional turkey drop off with meet-and-greet for those who feel comfortable to do so," he said.
Mace says if you don't feel comfortable doing that, there's another way to donate.
”We'll continue with the online auction and donation sites at the Airdrie Food Bank and we've got some outstanding auction items this year," he said.
Mace has always believed in the importance of giving back and his Turkey Drive has certainly made a difference to many.
Last year saw a record total of nearly $33,000 raised for the Airdrie Food Bank.
Since 2013, approximately 5,000 Turkey's have been donated in and around Calgary.
Mace says it's something he's very proud of.
"You never want people to make those decision on this or that," he told CTV.
"You want people to not have to worry about the meal on a special day and bring the family together to enjoy something where they can focus on finances somewhere else."
Mace says he will continue to do the turkey drive for as long as he and his family live in Calgary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.