QB Mitchell earns award from Stamps for community work
Bo Levi Mitchell will earn plenty of awards for his on-field performance.
On Tuesday, the Calgary Stampeders star quarterback was recognized for the work he does off the turf.
Mitchell was named as the team’s Herm Harrison Memorial Award winner for the second year in a row.
The award, which was instituted in 2013, annually honours a Stamps player who distinguishes himself in the field of community service.
“One thing that always struck me when I talked to him is that he was a guy who was going to shake your hand and look you in the eye,” Mitchell said.
“It wasn’t just ‘Hi, I’m Herm Harrison.’ It was ‘how are you doing? How’s your family?’
“The thing I look up to with him is he wasn’t here to just be a football player. That’s a big deal to me. You have to have a passion for the community. If not, people see right through it. He made his home here after football. It shows the kind of person he was and why this award is named after him.”
One of the franchise’s all-time greats, Harrison played for the Red & White for nine seasons (1964-72) and was a West Division all-star on six occasions and a CFL all-star three times.
Harrison settled in Calgary after his playing career and was an active member of numerous community activities as an alumnus.
Mitchell, a Texas native who now lives in Calgary year-round, is involved with numerous local charities.
He even started one of his own, launching Mitchell’s Miracle Day in 2015, where he and wife Madison take underprivileged youngsters from different families on a Christmas shopping spree to purchase gifts for their families.
The goal of the program is to show the children the importance of giving and doing good deeds for others. The kids then have dinner and go bowling with the Mitchells before being surprised with gifts from their own wish lists. Lending a hand, Mitchell said, has always been part of his plan.
“Growing up I saw it a lot,” Mitchell said.
“Whether it was at church or school, I had a good foundation of parents teaching me right from wrong.
“They would tell me no matter how much you do on the field, it’s a platform to project other things. Now people will listen and you have a voice. My mom — I love her to death — but she’ll say, ‘Great game, but make sure you put the shine on something or somebody else.’ ”
Mitchell also collects donations from local restaurants and entertainment spots which are passed along to the families in order to provide them with quality time together.
Mitchell is looking to expand the program to help more families without sacrificing the personal and direct involvement he has with the youngsters.
Mitchell also works with young athletes through Bo’s QB Club as he hosts 10-15 kids at every Stamps home game and visits with them afterwards.
In addition to imparting football advice, he speaks to the young players about the importance of being involved in their community and making a difference.
The 26-year-old also works with Vecova and YouthLink Calgary, and serves as an instructor of the Dickenson Passing Academy.
He sits on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area board and takes part in bi-weekly PRYME (Police Recreational Youth Mentoring Experience) events.
Mitchell himself is a Big Brother and Madison is in the process of becoming a Big Sister.
Mitchell and Co. will return to the practice field on Thursday to prepare for the West Division final on Nov. 20.
He will undoubtedly be announced later this week as the West Division’s nominee for the Most Outstanding Player award.
“MOP is something I’ve had on my career goal list for awhile,” Mitchell said. “It’s something I want to win and win multiple times.
“(Doug) Flutie won it, I think, six times. Obviously that’s something I’d like to chase.
“It’s an individual award but it’s one that is because of your teammates. I can’t hold those guys in high enough regard right now.”