One month ago, the Stampeders should have been celebrating Labour Day with 30,000+ fans at McMahon Stadium.

Instead, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no game for the first time in 63 years.

Despite the stadium sitting empty, the Stampeders – in collaboration with ATB Financial – still found a way to show their appreciation for the Canadian Armed Forces.

“The Calgary Stampeders have been honoured in recent seasons to pay tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces at the Labour Day Classic and for the opportunity show our gratitude to military personnel for their service,” said President and General Manager John Hufnagel. “We thank ATB for partnering with the Stampeders Foundation and making a generous donation to support the excellent work of the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre and Support Our Troops. We look forward to being back together at McMahon Stadium in 2021.”

The Stampeders Foundation and ATB Financial each made a donation of $5,000, for a total for $10,000 towards Canadian Armed Forces initiatives in our community.

“As Alberta’s bank, we proudly support organizations like the Calgary Stampeders Foundation who are continuing to step up for others during these unprecedented times,” said Curtis Stange, President and CEO, ATB Financial. “ATB is partnering with the Foundation to donate $2,500 to the Military Family Resource Centre in Calgary and $2,500 to Support Our Troops as a way of showing our sincere thanks to those who continue to protect and serve our nation.”

The $10,000 will be split between two fantastic local initiatives: the Military Family Resource Centre (MRFC) and Support Our Troops.

“For years, the Labour Day Classic has not only showcased the rivalry between two great sports teams in Alberta, but also been an opportunity to highlight our local Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their families,” said an Warren Hartwell, Executive Director of the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre. “The Stampeders in partnership with ATB Financial has provided both opportunity by inviting local military families to attend this much-anticipated event and greater awareness on the importance our military families play in supporting the CAF not just within Alberta but nationally as well.

“Through the continuous support from the Stampeders and ATB, the Calgary Military Families Resource Centre receives a generous donation that helps towards providing mental health and wellness resources, services, and support to our local military families throughout the year. This has significant impact on the morale and welfare on our military community and a massive thank you goes out to the Stampeders, The Stampeders Foundation, and ATB for their enduring support.”

“The Calgary Stampeders’ and ATB’s commitment to serving those who serve has safeguarded programs focused on promoting military family resiliency in Alberta,” says Steve Fash, Vice President, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services. “Their ongoing support is essential to building a stronger Canadian Armed Forces community.”

The Calgary Stampeders in partnership with ATB look forward to hosting Stamps fans and armed forces members alike when the games resume on the gridiron in 2021.