Saskatchewan Roughriders Continue Commitment to Tackle Hunger Initiative

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are gearing up to go up against hunger while facing off against the Toronto Argonauts. This year’s edition of the Saskatchewan-based Purolator Tackle Hunger food drive is scheduled for Thursday, coinciding with the Roughriders’ home game against Toronto at 7 p.m., broadcasted on TSN and CKRM.

Attendees are encouraged to bring along a non-perishable food item or make a monetary donation, through tap, to support the Regina Food Bank. Furthermore, all contributors will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the prestigious Grey Cup before the game at the Coors Light Party in the Park.

«When we hear ‘food bank,’ everyone immediately thinks about non-perishables, but when you spend time in those facilities, you realize the multitude of services beyond food that food banks offer to families in need,» expressed the Roughriders’ Head Coach Corey Mace.

«Tackle Hunger has been a longstanding initiative within the league for as long as I can recollect. It’s a fantastic program. I hope that, as a community, we can come together and showcase our usual excellence in community efforts,» Mace continued. «I’m thrilled that we can be part of this initiative once again this year. I hope we can make a significant impact in that regard.»

Miles Brown, who has previously participated in Tackle Hunger promotions alongside his defensive line counterpart Anthony Lanier II, echoed similar sentiments. «I believe it’s crucial that we all play a role in supporting those in need,» said Brown. «It’s truly unfortunate that individuals are grappling with issues like hunger.»

Brown had a first-hand encounter with such challenges when he journeyed to Kenya with representatives from World Vision Canada during the offseason. «I was fortunate to be chosen by the team to go on this trip,» he shared. «It was an incredibly eye-opening experience.»

This visit to Kenya provided Brown with significant perspective. «It made me realize that there are people who are genuinely in need. At times, they lack not only resources but even the knowledge of how to acquire them,» Brown reflected. «You often hear about specific conditions or situations individuals are living in, but it’s tough to comprehend fully when you’ve never encountered it firsthand. I still don’t completely grasp it; I merely observed it.»

«Witnessing people who lack access to water was the most surreal experience I’ve ever had. They have no water. None. Water is fetched from a tank,» Brown recounted. «I recall days when we would encounter children alongside a highway with yellow barrels for collecting water.»

«They would walk for hours to fetch water and bring it back home. That was their daily routine. No school. No social life. No social media. When they had the chance to attend school, they cherished it like, ‘I’m making the most of this opportunity, 100%!'»

Sharing from his experiences working with kids during the offseason at the UNIQUE Learning Center in Washington, D.C., Brown highlighted the contrasting attitudes towards education. «At the residential home in D.C., there were instances where kids would say, ‘It’s Monday, I’m not going to school’,» Brown recalled. «Conversely, those kids in Kenya would eagerly seize the chance to go to school. They are intelligent and articulate beyond their years. It’s quite remarkable.»

From across the globe in Regina, Brown remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and individuals of all ages by engaging in initiatives like Tackle Hunger. «I firmly believe in lending a hand when possible,» he emphasized. «It’s crucial for those who can assist to step up and offer aid.»