Calgary Stampeders welcome Jasper evacuees for Sunday's game against Argonauts

The Calgary Stampeders donated 1,200 tickets for Sunday's CFL game against the Toronto Argonauts to Calgary-based evacuees of Jasper.

The town of Jasper was devastated by wildfire in July — at least 30 per cent of its structures were destroyed, and thousands of residents and tourists were displaced.

As of Sunday morning, 1,637 evacuees have registered in Calgary.

According to a release, the Calgary Flames Foundation, on behalf of the Stampeders and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, donated $40,000 to wildfire relief efforts through the Canadian Red Cross.

Fans at Sunday's game can also make a donation to relief efforts by scanning QR codes which will be displayed at the stadium. 

Jay McNeil, president of the Calgary Stampeders, told CBC News he is proud of the Stampeders' ability to positively impact the community.

"When you see the devastation that the wildfire in Jasper has had, you can only imagine what the families and residents that have been evacuated are going through," McNeil said.

"Anything we can do to help bring a little bit of joy at a time when they are going through a pretty challenging time in their lives, we want to be there to help."

He added it's been somewhat challenging to get tickets to Sunday's game into the hands of evacuees, but the organization is working with the Red Cross to make it happen.

For those without vehicles, McNeil says the Stamps' home turf is a short walk from Banff Trail LRT station, so evacuees can get to McMahon Stadium.