Championing Volunteers Draws Cheers from Rider Nation

Volunteering was cheered loudly and proudly by Rider Nation as the start of the CFL season kicked off at Mosaic Stadium.

SaskEnergy was named the Game Day Partner for the Riders’ Home Opener on June 5 as we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary as the Champion of Volunteers.

Before and during the game, our team put the spotlight on the more than 200 volunteers who make up the Rider Squad, flooding them with appreciation for all their hard work and dedication. 

“SaskEnergy and the Saskatchewan Roughriders have a long history of working together to help create memorable occasions for Rider fans throughout the province,” says Allix Schweitzer – Supervisor, Community Engagement.

“Now, we’re happy to help make the Rider Squad’s volunteer experience even better as they give their time and energy at every home game to help Rider Nation have a great time in Mosaic Stadium.”

We also amped up Rider Nation eager to see its favourite football team start a winning season. At the Party in the Park before the game, fans could stop by the SaskEnergy tent to pick up fun giveaway items, like clappers, and enter a draw for a prize package. They could also play a throwing game, aiming a green football into a nearby purple Champion of Volunteers bin.

They got to meet Gus, Saskatchewan’s only Gasasaurus, who was reunited with his buddy, Gainer the Gopher, at the game. The two met in March at an event where it was announced that SaskEnergy would be the Champion of the Rider Squad for the Riders’ 2025 season.

The squad will be supported during the season through appreciation events, and with training and uniforms. These volunteers will also be recognized by SaskEnergy at each of the Riders’ home games this season. 

At half time during the Home Opener, Mark Guillet, President and CEO of SaskEnergy, was joined on the field by some of those volunteers. The entire Rider Squad was recognized in front of Rider Nation with a Volunteer of the Game plaque. Gus and Gainer joined in making them feel appreciated.

Through the season, at each home game, a member of the Rider Squad will be recognized as Volunteer of the Game. It is one more way SaskEnergy can demonstrate we value volunteering in our province. 

“Volunteering is embedded in SaskEnergy’s corporate culture and is a driving force for how we support the communities we serve,” says Mark.

“We know how important it is to support and showcase volunteers – who are often working hard behind the scenes – and we are proud to have been their champion for 25 years.”