Grey Cup week is a big boost for local charities

REGINA – Students at Thomson Community School were getting into the Grey Cup spirit Thursday morning as members of the Calgary Grey Cup Committee entertained the students with live music and line dancing.

“Events like this certain promote that, and we’re certainly a diverse culture here at Thomson and it’s nice to promote that extended community,” said Principal Ken Meredith.

The local school was presented with a cheque for $500 from the Calgary Grey Cup Committee and another $1,000 from the Bank of Montreal.

“It’ll go into lots of literacy programs as well as some of our nutrition programs for our kids,” said Meredith.

The school will also benefit from a $200,000 donation from Mosaic to the Salvation Army’s lunch program.

“This is absolutely essential for our organization,” said Major Doug Binner, Director of the Salvation Army. “There’s no way that we could expand our school feeding program without a substantial donation like this.”

The money will ensure 70 students at the school get lunch five days a week for the next three years.

The Regina Food Bank is also getting a boost as entry to some Grey Cup events was free Wednesday with a donation.

“We think it’s thousands of pounds and thousands of dollars which I think just demonstrates the generosity of the community and the Grey Cup spirit,” said Steve Compton, CEO of the Regina Food Bank.

One of the most notable Regina charities surrounding Grey Cup is the Chris Knox Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping those battling cancer. Chris lost his battle with cancer seven years ago, just two weeks after the devoted rider fan attended the Grey Cup in Toronto.

This year, the foundation is sending 16 Saskatchewan cancer patients plus their guests to the big game.

“It’s bringing it home and it’s like, a piece of Chris has come home,” said Sharla Folk, Chris’s mom and director of the organization. “I know the riders had some special angels that were cheering for them.”