Eskimos Serve Meals to the Less Fortunate

Eskimos teamwork goes beyond the locker room. It extends into the community as well.

Nine players, members of the Eskimos Cheer Team and staff dished out meals at for The Mustard Seed on Monday night. Among the Eskimos contingent was kicker/punter Grant Shaw.

“I’ve never done something like that,” says Shaw. “I’ve cooked for five or six people but never over 100.”

Long-snapper Ryan King saw the value brought by sharing his time to help those in need.

“The Mustard Seed is a great opportunity for [the Eskimos] to give directly back to the community and see their impact,” he says. “There was a ton of people there. There’s a lot of good energy and a lot of great volunteers who give their time. It’s a real feel good experience.”

Monday was King’s second time volunteering with the The Mustard Seed, and the first for Shaw. The special teams duo has been incredibly active in the community during their time with the Green and Gold.

It’s all a part of the Eskimo Way says Shaw.

“Anytime we can get out in the community and help out it’s huge. Maybe it’s not the No. 1 requirement of being an Eskimo, but it’s definitely 1B. We really love doing it. I especially love being in the community. This is my community, I was born and raised in Edmonton and I want to help out as much as I can.”

The Mustard Seed is a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and a supportive community for those who are in need. They prepare, cook and clean up after 600 meals a day.

Eskimos players are willing to lend a helping hand because they’ve seen the impact their presence can have.

“I know that the people that we’re making these meals for have had something unfortunate happen in their lives and it’s great that we can interact with them,” says King. “It just feels good to throw the logo on your chest, go there, sit down with them, talk to them and lift their day.”

“Those little things can go a long way in someone’s life,” says Shaw. “You may not think two minutes can have an impact on someone, but it can for the rest of their lives.”