MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – In what has become a Thanksgiving tradition for the team, a contingent of Alouettes players including Chip Cox, Nicolas Boulay, Kyries Hebert, Brandon Whitaker, Shea Emry, Michael Ola and Moton Hopkins made their way to a homeless shelter to serve holiday meals immediately following their game against the Blue Bombers on Monday at Percival Molson Stadium.
PHOTOS: THANKSGIVING AT THE WELCOME HALL MISSION »
The players traded in their jerseys and shoulder pads for aprons and ladles and joined forces with the staff and fellow volunteers at the Welcome Hall Mission, a shelter that has been providing warm meals and a roof over the head of Montreal’s homeless since 1892.
“It’s amazing to be able to give back to others on Thanksgiving,” explained linebacker Kyries Hebert. “It really puts things into perspective. We were all upset about a tough loss earlier today, but you come here, and you see what’s really important in life.”
The Welcome Hall Mission’s goal is to extend a warm welcome to all those who come to its door, providing them with shelter, food, someone to talk to and a chance to rebuild their lives.
A second-year ally of the Welcome Hall Mission, offensive lineman Michael Ola was humbled to participate once again.
“It’s powerful. It’s an opportunity to forget about yourself and really step back and look at the big picture. I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in right now if it wasn’t for the people in my life who helped me out,” revealed Ola.
“Win or lose, coming here is really nothing for us. It’s a joy to me.”
