Riders looking at ways to pay tribute, help Humboldt

The Saskatchewan Roughriders want to do whatever it can to help the community of Humboldt heal following the horrific bus crash, which could include tributes and events.

Sixteen people have died after the bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos collided with a semi-truck on Friday. Others remain in hospital, some in critical condition.

Riders President and CEO Craig Reynolds said it’s still too early for the team to comment if there will be a commemorative patch on the jerseys or any other kind of tribute.

He said they want to wait for an appropriate time to reach out the Humboldt and the Broncos to determine the best way they can help them heal, but noted there have been ideas floated around.

At a Regina Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday, Reynolds said if the team wins the 2018 Grey Cup, the first stop the trophy will be making will be in Humboldt.

“If somehow we’re fortunate enough to win that trophy and can end 2018 in a positive way in Humboldt, that’s what we want to do,” he said.

The tragedy also hits close to Reynolds’ heart because of the amount of time he spent in the city growing up.

Reynolds is originally from Foam Lake, which is under an hour away from Humboldt.

“I’m struggling with this in a lot of ways and part of it is being from a small town, being from a small town that’s close, one of my closest friends is from Humboldt,” Reynolds said. “You know the small town feel how everybody knows everybody and they’re grieving together, it’s impacted everybody in that community.”

The Riders have been helping with fundraising efforts for the Humboldt Broncos, by donating items to auctions that are raising money for the team.

Reynolds also anticipates some of their players will also show support for Humboldt throughout the season.

Life is precious! Every touchdown I get this season will be donated to the Humboldt Broncos families! Hope I help this healing process! https://t.co/oqYpkwaW45

— Duron Carter (@DC_CHILLIN_8) April 7, 2018

Reynolds also said the team and the CFL will be doing things in the coming days to help out Humboldt.

“Our club is thinking about them,” Reynolds said. “However they want us to be involved, we’ll be there.”