It was near freezing Wednesday afternoon when the Edmonton Elks swapped their helmets for helping hands. The football players spent hours sorting and packing food hampers for Edmonton’s Food Bank, showing that their skills extend beyond the gridiron.
“This time of year can be really tough for a lot of families,” said Elks defensive back Darrius Bratton, who helped organize boxes of pasta and canned goods. “We’re in a position to give back, and that means something.”
The Elks participated ahead of this weekend’s Purolator Tackle Hunger food drive, which happens during their home game against the Montreal Alouettes. Last year, the initiative collected more than 26,000 pounds of food across CFL cities.
Edmonton’s Food Bank has seen demand surge by nearly 80% since 2022, according to their quarterly reports. The organization now serves roughly 30,000 people monthly, up from about 17,000 before the pandemic.
“Having the Elks here makes a real difference,” said Tamisan Bencz-Knight, manager of strategic relationships with Edmonton’s Food Bank. “Not just with the physical work they’re doing today, but in raising awareness about food insecurity in our community.”
Players formed assembly lines in the warehouse, sorting donations and preparing emergency food hampers. The scene at the food bank reflected a growing reality across Alberta, where Statistics Canada data shows one in five households reported experiencing some form of food insecurity in the past year.
“It hits you when you see how much food needs to go out each day,” said offensive lineman David Foucault, who towered over stacks of donation boxes. “I’ve got kids at home, and I can’t imagine not being able to feed them properly.”
The Elks organization has maintained this partnership for over a decade. Team staff note the annual food drive typically brings in between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds of food each year at Commonwealth Stadium.
“Our fans step up every season,” said Elks community relations coordinator Jamie Cartmell. “Even when times are tough economically, Edmontonians still find ways to support their neighbours.”
Food bank workers explained that monetary donations prove particularly helpful. Each dollar donated can be stretched into three meals through bulk purchasing power and community partnerships.
The players seemed genuinely moved by the experience. Quarterback Tre Ford paused while packing a hamper with peanut butter and rice.
“Football is just a game, but this is real life,” Ford said. “Some families have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. That’s not a choice anyone should have to make.”
In the warehouse corner, rookie receiver Dillon Mitchell carefully arranged breakfast cereal into boxes. His first season in Edmonton has been challenging on the field, but experiences like this have connected him to the community.
“Coach talks about impact beyond the scoreboard,” Mitchell said. “This is what that looks like.”
The CFL’s Purolator Tackle Hunger program began in 2003 and has delivered more than 18 million pounds of food to Canadian food banks. Fans attending Saturday’s game are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make cash donations at stadium entrances.
“We’ve seen incredible generosity from Elks fans,” said Bencz-Knight. “Even a single can of soup makes a difference when you multiply it across thousands of people.”
Players noted the program’s timing aligns perfectly with their schedule. While most Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, food banks typically experience donation slumps after major holidays.
“It’s easy to forget hunger doesn’t follow a calendar,” said veteran linebacker Nick Usher. “People need help year-round.”
The food bank workers shared stories of families who never expected to need assistance but found themselves visiting after job losses, medical emergencies, or housing cost increases.
Outside the warehouse, the temperature continued dropping—a reminder that winter’s additional heating costs will soon strain more household budgets. For some Edmonton families, these football players’ efforts today will translate into meals next week.
“I hope people see us here and remember to donate,” said Bratton. “A community takes care of its own.”
The Elks may be struggling in the standings this season, but their commitment to Edmonton remains championship caliber—one food hamper at a time.
