There was definitely some hockey with heart during November as the Lacombe Generals AA Senior hockey team stepped up to inspire a burger at the Cilantro and Chive’s Lacombe location in support of the Lacombe Food Bank.
Teamwork helped create the burger, ‘The General’.
It included two Alberta beef smash patties, jalapeno jack cheese, drunken onions and jalapenos in Blindman Five of Diamonds Pilsner, and bacon tomato sauce on a pretzel bun skewered with a spicy house tempura battered pickle spear, according to a release.
Two dollars from every burger sold in November went to the Generals’ charity of choice - the Lacombe Food Bank
Team Manager Jared Williams said the team wanted to support the Food Bank because they know they can always use the help with people coming through their doors every week, and demand is increasing as the holidays approach.
“They definitely need the help, it’s a cause that is close to our group, and we’ve always done what we can to support the Food Bank,” he said.
Food Bank Manager Millie Snow said she was humbled and grateful for the support from the Generals.
Ultimately, the Generals helped to deliver $1,258 to the Lacombe Food Bank at the recent home game versus Camrose (the Gens won 7-2!).
“Thanks to the amazing support we see from our guests for our Burger of the Month program month after month, we have had the opportunity to give back over $120,000 to local charities over the past 70 months.”
Meanwhile, it was love for a pet that led the November guest chef in Red Deer to want to support a local animal shelter with Burger of the Month funds.
Randy Rabena provided the creative juices for ‘Randy’s Bacon Cheeseburger’.
Two dollars of every burger sold went to his charity of choice - Saving Grace Animal Society.
Rabena said his family has much love for animals.
“When we lost our beloved Bailey last summer, we realized how lucky we were to have had him for almost 15 years and what a great life he had with us,” he said.
“With that, we were also reminded of all the animals out there who unfortunately don’t have that safe home right from the start or access to the medical care needed.
“We have so much respect for everything that Saving Grace endures and strongly believe that this organization continues to make a big difference in our community”.
Saving Grace Animal Society runs an animal rescue in Alix and an off-site sanctuary for larger animals, providing rescue services 24/7 for emergency calls all over Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The Society operates solely off a donation-based budget, and they are currently building their very own vet clinic.
They received $1,750 thanks to the Burger of the Month program.