Yesterday (December 18), Calgary Stampeders coach Corey Mace and a crew of helpers delivered four truckloads of turkeys and hams to the Airdrie Food Bank.

 This is the fifth year of Mace's annual food drive, and a new personal best was set.

Corey Mace helps unload food donations at the Airdrie Food Bank.

 "We got to 414 physical turkeys and hams, plus the $500 cheque coming from the Calgary Stampeders organization to the Airdrie Food Bank."

Mace had set a goal to collect 400 turkeys and hams this year. Through events such as a visit to Airdrie's Sobey's location on Saturday (December 16), Mace was able to exceed that goal.

"We've hit the mark and I'm elated, I know my wife is elated too and hopefully families in surrounding areas, not just Calgary, but surrounding areas are going to have a great holiday season."

Lori McRitchie, Executive Director of the Airdrie Food Bank, said the partnership with Mace and the Calgary Stampeders has become a meaningful part of the Christmas season for the organization.

"This just allows our families to have a great turkey dinner. We can give a turkey to everyone who crosses our doorstep in the next week and beyond, so this makes such a difference. The other thing is that we're going to be able to share with some of our partner food banks."

Forty of the turkeys and hams that were dropped off this morning will go to partner food banks in surrounding communities, with the remaining 374 getting distributed to Airdrie families. McRitchie said their philosophy is to be "neighbours helping neighbours", and they are excited to support other food banks in the area that don't receive as much support as they do.

 

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