Now that the 2022 CFL season for the Calgary Stampeders is underway with a big 41 – 6 pre-season win yesterday (May 28) over the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium, the Stampeders Foundation is pleased to announce that the online and in-game 50/50 program has returned.

That's good news for the football programs, health and education initiatives and southern Alberta communities that are helped by the foundation, including the Airdrie Food Bank.

For the past nine years, former NFL and CFL defensive lineman and Calgary Stampeders defensive line coach Corey Mace has held his Turkey Drive with the proceeds going mainly to the city's Food Bank. Mace was moved to undertake the event because of his own struggles as a child.  The drive had a modest start nine years ago, collecting 300 turkeys. It has grown since that time and in 2021 the drive raised a record amount, over $40,000.  Part of that total, $5,000, came from a generous donation from the Stampeders Foundation which makes a donation every year to help Mace kickstart the event.  Funds raised through the 50/50 program benefit the foundation.

The mandate of the Stampeders Foundation is to support amateur and grassroots football in Calgary and southern Alberta communities while also funding a number of health and education initiatives through player involvement and in-game programming. The 50/50 program is an important fundraising component of the Stampeders Foundation.

The Foundation has donated more than $3.5 million to the groups and communities it supports. The funds have been used to purchase equipment, provide post-secondary scholarships, support registration fees for youth, acquire on-field medical supplies and much more, thanks to the support of fans.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.stampeders.com/5050 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on all Stampeders game days, both home and away. Tickets will also be sold in-person during all home games.

Although Corey Mace is no longer with the Stampeders, having signed with the Toronto Argonauts as the Defensive Coordinator in the off-season, it’s hoped he’ll be back in Alberta in time for his 10th annual Turkey Drive to again help out the Airdrie Food Bank.