Montreal families in need this holiday season are receiving assistance from a community-driven effort spearheaded by Canadian Football League player Isaac Adeyemi Berglund. The initiative, known as The Berglund Bridge, is a heartfelt response to combat food insecurity during the winter season.
Berglund, a Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman, founded The Berglund Bridge out of a desire to give back based on his own background and experiences. The Winter Wellness and Holiday Food Drive, currently underway, aims to provide support to families struggling to put food on the table during a challenging time of the year.
Reflecting on his inspiration, Berglund shared, “The idea for this initiative has been with me for a long time. Seeing the impact of community efforts like Corey Mace’s turkey drive motivated me to take action and create something meaningful for my foundation.”
Despite being in its inaugural year, the response to the drive has been positive. Berglund expressed his gratitude, saying, “While the initiative may be small, the support has been tremendous. We’ve connected with amazing individuals and are looking forward to making a significant impact in the community.”
Donations of non-perishable items and holiday essentials are being collected throughout December and will be distributed to more than nine food banks in Montreal and Châteauguay.
Berglund emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “By working together, we can make a real difference. Supporting over nine food banks is a powerful way to give back to our community as a united force.”
To facilitate donations, collection points have been set up at various grocery stores across Montreal, including IGA, Maxi, Super C, and Costco. Berglund highlighted the collaborative effort with store managers and staff, emphasizing the importance of reaching out and making a difference.
Engaging directly with shoppers at collection sites, Berglund shares information, encourages participation, and conducts raffles featuring Alouettes memorabilia and local business gift cards to further drive engagement within the community.
One donor expressed their motivation for contributing, saying, “Every little bit helps those in need. We may not have much, but even a small donation can make a significant impact.”
Berglund reiterated the value of all forms of support, emphasizing, “Every gesture, whether big or small, holds meaning. Whether it’s a conversation, a donation, or simply connecting with someone — it all matters.”
As the Winter Wellness and Holiday Food Drive progresses, Berglund remains hopeful that the spirit of unity and generosity seen during the holiday season will continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the community.
