Banana man using fruit to teach generosity

Kids call him The Banana Man.

That’s because Robb Campre brings the 8 and 9-year-olds on his son’s hockey team bananas after every hockey practice and game. But there’s more to it than just nutrition.

“The message is it's important to have a good healthy nourishment, working out, your body needs food for energy,” said Campre.

“I also want them to understand that there’s an appreciation, value for someone doing something nice for them.”

Growing up, Campre was often hungry after playing sports. His family had to rely on others to help put food on the table.  

“Food was always at a shortage in our household and occasionally throughout the month, my mom would have to take trips to the food bank to get food to feed the family. “

So for Campre the bananas are a way to teach these kids about giving back. A big lesson for some of the kids, including his son Chase, 11.

“I always thought that everyone was equal, because that's what I learned in school,” Chase said. “Once my dad told me this,  I was, like, kind of disheartened - I was like really there's kids that don't have food and probably starving right now. It's pretty sad.“

Campre sees the CBC Turkey Drive as a good opportunity for people to get involved, and help out the charity the helped his family.

This year's goal is to raise a half million dollars for the Edmonton Food Bank.

“I think it's important to put yourself out there when there is a worthy cause and the food bank to me is a very worthy cause, because it provides food and nourishment for a lot of kids and families.”

The Food Bank is accepting donations for the Turkey Drive from Dec. 13 to Dec. 19th.