In a heartwarming initiative, members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders hit the ice to champion children’s mental wellness during the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation (SRF) Winter Classic.
The Winter Classic serves as a fundraising platform for the SRF player program, delivering impactful presentations on mental wellness to schools across the province. The program has successfully reached over 20,000 children, and this year’s event has already seen a remarkable doubling in ticket sales.
Cindy Fuchs, the executive director of the SRF, expressed their ambitious goal to raise $75,000 this year. Notably, players from the Saskatchewan Roughriders actively participated in the Winter Classic, contributing to a cause they are deeply passionate about.
Former NHL all-star Ryan Getzlaf, joined by his brother Chris Getzlaf, a Saskatchewan Roughrider alumnus, graced the event. Ryan Getzlaf emphasized the joy of sharing the ice for a noble cause, highlighting the opportunity to give back to the community through the foundation.
“We have an opportunity to give back to the community,” said Getzlaf. “I’m just happy to be here to support him and the foundation.”
Kirstin Geib, representing BASF Agricultural Solutions, shared her excitement about participating in the Winter Classic for the second consecutive year. Being the first female participant last year, Geib celebrated the growth in female representation, emphasizing the foundation’s significance and her enthusiasm to contribute.
The Winter Classic featured not only the hockey game but also included a Kids Zone, special giveaways, in-game activations, and a player meet-and-greet with an autograph session. The event served as a powerful blend of sportsmanship and community engagement, showcasing the commitment of the Saskatchewan Roughriders to elevate youth mental wellness in the province.
