The Waterloo Regional Police Service and Cambridge Fire Department may work as a team while on duty but don't be fooled, there's an underlying friendly rivalry.
Members of each emergency service will trade in their work uniform for a soccer kit on Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. as they take the field at Southwood Secondary School for a charity game dubbed the Galt Cup in support of the Cambridge Food Bank.
When Cambridge Fire Department platoon chief Andy Pownall was approached by the food bank with the idea, he thought it was a no-brainer to get involved.
"The food bank seems to be more needed, used and common these days," Pownall said.
"Anytime we can give back to the community in any capacity it's a good thing. We have our basket fund over the Christmas period and we’ve donated extra to the food bank before. We already have a bit of a relationship and we realize how important it is."
The game is being organized by the Galt Football Club in celebration of the 120th anniversary of their Olympic Gold Medal.
The festivities will feature a barbecue, face painting, along with special guests from Canada Soccer, including recent and former Olympians. They're also hoping to have a videographer on hand to create a short video on Galt FC and the event to showcase at the Canada versus Panama game in Toronto on Oct. 15.
Being able to diversify and come up with new funding sources, such a soccer game, is critical to the food bank's sustainability said communications coordinator, Jamie Berube.
"Finding varied ways to fundraise is essential because it allows us to reach new groups of people who may not connect with traditional fundraising methods," she said.
"It also helps raise awareness about food insecurity, which can affect anyone. So far this year, food insecurity has risen by 75 per cent compared to the same time in 2022, with a 66 per cent increase in children and youth needing assistance. It shows us that none of us are immune to need. You may not think you need a food bank until one day, you do."
And while it's all for a good cause, it's still fun to win.
"There’s always a bit of friendly rivalry, the stereotypical jokes going back and forth," Pownall said of the the interactions between the two services.
"We have a great relationship with police on the job and outside of work but bragging rights are obviously nice."
Tickets for the game are $5 for adults and $2 for seniors. Youth are free and donations of non-perishable food items are being collected.
For tickets click here.