CALGARY- Chuckwagon driver Jason Glass is caught between two worlds.
On Monday, he took the top prize of $6,000 at the Rangeland Derby—money he and other drivers depend on from a short rodeo season.
“Chuckwagon racing is an expensive sport,” says Glass. “We need all the money we can get to take proper care of our horses, but there’s always someone else in more need.”
That’s why Glass promptly turned over his winnings to the Foothills Flood Relief Fund, helping victims in the hard-hit High River area where he grew up. Glass’ parents are among those still digging out from the disaster along the Highwood River.
Chuckwagon driver Rae Croteau Jr. of Sundre is also throwing money in the hat. He pledges to donate a percentage of his winnings to the Red Cross by the end of the week, a donation that will be matched by his sponsors.
He says he’s sees the Stampede as a bonus rodeo this year.
“It’s our biggest show and two weeks ago you would have never known we’d race here,” says Croteau. “I’m happy to help and hope, one day, if I’m in the same circumstance, somebody else will do that for me.”
Driver Chance Bensmiller, could have the largest driver donation yet. He vows to auction off the his tarp on Friday—worth over $14,000—which will also be matched by his sponsors.
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