Queen's Football collected 1,082 pounds of food and raised more than $1,200 in support of the Partners in Mission Food Bank through its annual Gaels Tackle Hunger initiative on Thursday, Oct. 8.

The initiative raised $1,233.15 in combined monetary donations. The combined efforts will help Partners in Mission Food Bank support local families in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Members of the Queen's Football program spent the day collecting donations outside Metro on Division Street in Kingston, continuing an annual tradition that brings student-athletes and community members together in support of a shared cause.

"It's really important for us to give back to the community here in Kingston, in particular with this program," said Queen's Football head coach Steve Snyder. "It's something that Kingston can count on. It's going to be the same time every year, right around that Thursday before Thanksgiving. We're going to do this and commit to what we do."

Queen's Football players participated in shifts throughout the event, with Snyder noting the enthusiasm the student-athletes bring to the initiative and the value of giving back to the community.

"They enjoy serving, they enjoy giving back and they enjoy being around each other," Snyder said. "I think it's fun for them, especially the young guys who are maybe getting their first exposure to it. It's something that we're really proud of, and it's something that Kingston can count on us for because we're going to continue to do this."

For the players, Gaels Tackle Hunger is an important opportunity to connect with the Kingston community beyond the football field.

"It's a big thing for us. It's one of our main things, especially in season, for the team to go into the community and contribute," said Queen's Football's Mateo Tuioti. "It's obviously a great cause."

Isaiah Adams highlighted the program's longstanding commitment to supporting Kingston residents.

"We've been doing that for a long time here," Adams said. "Shout out to Metro on Barrie Street. It's really important to give back to the community."

James Gillingham echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the opportunity to make a difference through both fundraising and awareness.

"It means a lot. It's a good opportunity to give back to the community and, you know, raise money and raise awareness," Gillingham said.

Gaels Tackle Hunger is an annual priority for Queen's Football, providing an opportunity for the program to make a meaningful contribution to the Kingston community each Thanksgiving season.