Canes help at the Soup Kitchen

By Lethbridge Herald on October 9, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Herald photo by JUstin seward Lethbridge Hurricanes Kooper Gizowski and Kale Tipler cut pieces of pie for Lethbridge Soup Kitchen guests on Tuesday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have been giving back in the community recently by making their annual  contribution to the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen by cooking meals for the less fortunate.

This year has involved all the players, staff and coaches split into three different groups.

“I think it’s great for us kind of coming in here, preparing the meals, seeing the less fortunate people and obviously kind of getting that feeling of how fortunate we are to be where we are in life,” said Canes forward Kooper Gizowski, who was on hand to help with Tuesday night’s meal.

“I think it’s honestly a big step for us and I think  it gives us a better point of view of life too.”

Gizowski thought Leo Braillard was the best cook.

“Just good in the kitchen, I guess,” said Gizowski, on picking Braillard.

Defenceman Will Sharpe had a message for those people potentially looking to volunteer at the Soup Kitchen.

“It’s huge for our community,” said Sharpe.

“What they do here is awesome. They help a lot and it goes a long way for these people.”

“Our guests love it when people come … wearing the uniform,” said Bill Ginther, Lethbridge Soup Kitchen executive director.

“It makes them feel (as) though they’re important and that the players are taking time out of their busy schedules and coming to serve them.”

Ginther goes and talks to the Canes once a year  about what the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen does and addiction,  poverty and homelessness.

“I think this really opens their eyes,” said Ginther.

“This makes them aware of there are needs beyond just being out on the ice.”

Ginther encourages the players to help while in the community.

“If you see people out there, for example, in mid-summer and they’re hot, give them a bottle of water,” said Ginther.

“If you see them outside of Tim’s, or A&W or whatever, offer to buy a coffee, don’t offer food. We do that here.”