The summer heat didn’t deter the Edmonton Elks players yesterday as they traded their football gloves for sorting gloves at the Edmonton Food Bank warehouse. The annual Purolator Tackle Hunger initiative kicked off with impressive energy, bringing together athletes, volunteers, and community members for a cause that grows more urgent each year.
I arrived at the warehouse just as quarterback Trevor Harris was organizing a sorting line with the precision he usually reserves for the field. “This isn’t just about filling boxes,” he told me, wiping sweat from his brow. “It’s about understanding what our neighbors are going through. When we’re on the field, we’re playing for this community. Days like today remind us why that matters.”
The partnership between the Elks and Purolator has become a summer tradition in our city, but this year carries special significance. Food bank usage in Edmonton has increased nearly 30% since last year, according to Edmonton Food Bank executive director Susan McGee.
“What people don’t always realize is that summer can be particularly difficult,” McGee explained as volunteers hustled around us. “School nutrition programs pause, and many families face impossible choices between paying for childcare, utilities, or putting food on the table.”
The warehouse buzzed with activity as Elks offensive linemen formed an assembly line, sorting donations with surprising dexterity for men with such massive hands. Their laughter echoed through the facility as they challenged each other to sort faster, turning necessary work into something joyful.
Purolator regional manager David Chen, who has coordinated the event for five years, seemed pleased with the turnout. “We collected over 40,000 pounds of food at last week’s home game, but the sorting is where rubber meets road,” he said. “Having the players here shows commitment beyond just lending their name to a cause.”
Rookie defensive back Marcus Williams appeared particularly moved by the experience. Fresh from college and experiencing his first community initiative as a professional athlete, he sorted canned goods with focused determination.
“Growing up, my family used food banks sometimes,” Williams confided quietly when I caught him taking a water break. “Being on the other side of this operation hits different. I keep thinking about the kids who’ll eat because of what we’re doing today.”
The Tackle Hunger program has collected over two million pounds of food across Canada since its inception, with Edmonton consistently ranking among the most generous donor cities. Yesterday’s effort processed donations from last week’s game-day collection, where fans received ticket discounts for bringing non-perishable items.
By mid-afternoon, the warehouse transformation was remarkable. Mountains of unsorted donations had become organized pallets ready for distribution. Food bank volunteer coordinator Janice Wong, who has managed these events for over a decade, nodded with satisfaction.
“Having the Elks here brings media attention, which we need,” Wong acknowledged. “But what most people don’t see is how these players stay after the cameras leave. They ask thoughtful questions about food insecurity and often become regular donors themselves.”
The initiative extends beyond yesterday’s sorting event. The team’s community relations department has organized follow-up volunteer opportunities throughout the summer for fans wanting to continue the momentum.
Elks head coach Jaime Elizondo made a brief appearance, helping to load a delivery truck before addressing the volunteers. “We talk about teamwork in football constantly,” he said. “But this is teamwork that actually changes lives immediately. That’s powerful.”
As I prepared to leave, I noticed veteran receiver Greg Ellingson quietly explaining to several rookies how the food bank’s distribution system works. This wasn’t his first time volunteering – his understanding of the operation revealed a deeper commitment beyond the annual photo opportunity.
“I’ve been doing this event for six years now,” Ellingson told me later. “The need never decreases. If anything, we see more working families needing help each year. That’s why we keep coming back.”
The Purolator Tackle Hunger game-day collection continues at the next home game on July 19th, with collection bins at all Commonwealth Stadium entrances. Fans can also contribute online through the Edmonton Food Bank website, where the Elks’ partner page tracks the growing impact of this season’s campaign.
As summer progresses and food bank shelves begin their annual depletion, yesterday’s effort stands as a reminder of how our city’s sports culture extends beyond entertainment. For families facing food insecurity, initiatives like these provide essential support during challenging times – proving that some of our football heroes’ most important work happens far from the spotlight of game day.
