REDS Adopt Area Families

(FREDERICTON, NB) UNB REDS student-athletes and staff have adopted 18 Fredericton-area families in need through the Salvation Army’s annual ‘Adopt-A-Family’ program.

The charitable effort has become a holiday season tradition for the REDS.

All REDS teams participated, along with staff and administration.

“I’m so excited that the REDS have stepped up in such a big way this holiday season,” said Katie Butts, a member of the REDS women’s basketball team. “Adopting 18 families and spreading the holiday spirit and joy is inspiring.”

For each adopted family, teams provided groceries for a full Christmas dinner, clothing, and presents for each family member.

Smaller teams worked in groups to provide for an assigned family, while larger teams focused on providing for a single family.

The Salvation Army distributes the food and gifts to registered families.

“As student-athletes, representing the REDS in the community is something we are all very passionate about,” said Cole MacKay, a member of UNB’s men’s hockey team. “Coming together with other teams during the holiday season allows everyone to be involved and make a difference in people's lives. Everyone deserves to open gifts and celebrate the holidays, so we’re proud to sponsor so many families as one REDS collective team.”

The REDS teams delivered their collected donations to the Salvation Army headquarters recently, in time for distribution ahead of the holidays.

“It’s amazing to see everyone pitching in and giving back to the community that gives us so much,” said Butts.

“Our REDS student-athletes and staff do many special things over the course of the season, but being involved in this program is one of the best things we do,” said UNB’s Athletic Director Jeff Speedy. “We all care about this community, the one that supports us every day. It’s very rewarding to support them at such a special time of year.”

In previous years, the program has helped more than 25,000 Maritimers with holiday-season food hampers and gifts.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Submitted