George Reed is a Saskatchewan icon. An ideal ambassador for the province and for football. He’s a class act.
The man has given the majority of his life to Saskatchewan, a place he has called home since his retirement from football. Saskatchewan communities also benefit from the George Reed Foundation, an outfit that raises money to aid people and projects in need.
Now it’s time to give back.
One of Reed’s closest friends recently launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $50,000. The money would help cover Reed’s increasing medical costs. Reed mentioned he needs a knee brace and additional physiotherapy treatments.
At 80, Reed’s mobility has deteriorated in recent years thanks to an ankle replacement and numerous back surgeries.
What an ideal time for a local business to step forward and show gratitude by taking care of Reed’s medical costs. If only there was a business who knew Reed on an incredibly intimate level. If only there was a business that shared the common love of football. If only there was a business that has been buoyed by Reed’s name and Reed’s legend. If only there was a business that annually boasted of cashing in seven-figure profits.
Hey, Roughriders! What’s taking you so long?
Cutting a cheque for $50,000 would be a noble move by the Riders. Not only that, but the money couldn’t go to a more worthy cause.
The Riders do their fair share of community outreach throughout the province by way of public speaking engagements at schools and sporting events. Though local groups do have to pay to have players attend. Riders players often sign autographs for fans after practices and before games.
So, they are active in the community. But why not now?
Riders fans and fans of Reed already have chipped in with $16,000. No surprise there. But what is puzzling (and disappointing) is the lack of effort from the Riders to offer financial support to this initiative.
The Mendoza Lines 