Canada-U.S. gold medal game fuels food bank drive in Burlington

Households across Canada will be going to bed with a gold medal dancing in their heads ahead of the Canada-U.S. game tomorrow morning.

A lot is on the line but for the Burlington Food Bank, they’ve already won.

Tomorrow morning our men will be playing for gold against the United States. For some, it’s more than a hockey game given the current political climate between our two countries. But the faithful remain true north strong and free.

Fans from around the world, including in Milan outside the Olympic arena, will be cheering on Team Canada going for gold versus Team USA.

Here at home, the Burlington Food Bank is already cashing in.

“Tackling food security is not something any one agency can do alone. The folks in Burlington really show up for the food bank,” said Christina Mulder, executive director at the Burlington Food Bank.

QB Sports Bar Grill and Games in Burlington is prepping today for the packed house they will be hosting for tomorrow’s game. No spots left but each fan is asked to bring in items for the food bank.

“This example is a really good one where here the whole nation is super excited about a gold medal event,” said Mulder.

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The man at the centre of it all? Gord Ellis. He’s behind many community efforts in Burlington. This time he’s hoping for Olympic-sized generosity.

“Four years ago we did this exact same event for the women’s gold medal game. Being in Beijing, the parents weren’t allowed to go to Beijing, so I figured it was a great idea because we had the Burlington connection with Emma Maltais and Renata Fast,” said Ellis.

“It boosts our sales and it also boosts the community,” said Michelle Febers, QB Sports general manager.

Febers says staff and food prep purchases have tripled in advance of tomorrow morning’s big game. She also appreciates the opportunity to give back.

“We wouldn’t be able to run that food drive or do the Team Canada drive without all those exceptions, so we’re super grateful,” said Febers.

“If this goes poorly, you might want to log off,” said sports management professor Taylor McKee from Brock University.

Not that he doesn’t have faith Team Canada can’t pull off a win, but McKee recognizes Canada and U.S. relations off the rink fuel the fire.

“The White House Press Secretary in the 4 Nations Face-Off directly referenced tongue-in-cheek. But with this crew, everything is tongue-in-cheek until it’s not. About being the 51st state and this game, looking forward to playing against their future 51st state,” said McKee.

There’s a lot on the line tomorrow morning. Game time is at 8:10 a.m.

Let’s all go to sleep tonight with golden thoughts and wake up tomorrow morning with promise.

More information on the Burlington Food Bank can be found on their website.

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