Valerie Wutti
By: Sarah Zintel – Ottawa REDBLACKS
Photo: Valerie Wutti
OTTAWA – Calling all REDBLACKS fans!! You have been challenged by the Ottawa REDBLACKS and OSEG to make history at tonight’s Purolator Tackle Hunger game. Fans are being asked to bring non-perishable food and/or cash donations to TD Place for the Ottawa Food Bank.
REDBLACKS fans have already shown their power as a sold out crowd twice before. But tonight #RNation will not only show strength in numbers by bringing the noise on the field, but also by coming together to support a great cause.
There are still limited tickets available for tonight’s game against the Edmonton Eskimos. All are lower south sideline premium ticket seating. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 613-232-6767 x1.
“If you look at it right now we have had sellouts for every game,” said Henry Burris. “If every person just takes the time to reach in their kitchen and grab a non-perishable item to bring with them. Even those who don’t bring it with them just bring a cash donation so the money can be spent towards the different items that can go to those needy families. That’s all we are asking.”
The goal for the weekend is to collect 50,000 pounds of food for the Ottawa Food Bank. Members of the REDBLACKS and the Ottawa Fury FC have also challenged fans to strive to beat the Purolator Tackle Hunger donation record.
“I think Ottawa is going to do better than anybody and everybody,” said the REDBLACKS campaign spokesperson.
Donations will be collected at the gates before the game both tonight and on Sunday at the Fury FC game. All those who make a donation, of any size, will have the opportunity to take their picture with the Grey Cup tonight and for those donating on Sunday take their picture with the NASL Soccer Bowl Trophy.
This is the first ever Tackle Hunger game in Ottawa. But another large attendance at TD Place this weekend, will hopefully set the bar high for years to come. REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell believes if Ottawa brings in a large number of much needed donations it’s something to be proud of.
“I have a good feeling just with the way our fans have been the first two home games and with the amount of enthusiasm they bring to whatever it is,” said REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell. “If they bring a food donation or money it’s a pretty neat thing, and if you can get a big tally up there it’s something to be proud of.”
The REDBLACKS have been preparing all week for the action on the field as well as getting out into the community to help raise awareness about the great cause. The team will try to show their appreciation for the fans support with another big REDBLACKS win at TD Place.
