In a powerful display of strength, community, and generosity, Southland Transportation Edmonton proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Mettle Games on April 19, in partnership with Doug Jones of Steadfast Mettle Fitness and Evolve Fitness North Gym.
What began in 2023 as a simple Strongman Bus Pull has grown into a full-scale fitness competition, now featuring multiple events and weight classes. This year’s Mettle Games also served as a qualifying event for the Strongman Alberta provincial competition, with top performers earning a spot to compete at the next level.
Alongside the competition, the Southland Edmonton Social Committee stepped up to support a great cause by organizing a fundraising BBQ for Edmonton’s Food Bank. They donated all the food for the event, and a team of social committee volunteers prepared and served meals. Despite limited promotion, the event successfully raised nearly $550 to support the Food Bank’s essential work.
On May 2, Northern Alberta General Manager Cory Sandstra and dispatcher (and event volunteer) Jane Simmons visited Edmonton’s Food Bank to deliver the donation and tour the facility. The visit reiterated the vital work of the Food Bank and its reach. In November 2024 alone, the Food Bank provided a record-breaking 47,000 hampers. The need in the community is greater than ever.
The tour also revealed some exciting opportunities for Southland to deepen its support.
Inspired by the experience, Jane Simmons suggested a creative way to get even more people involved: a “Stuff a Bus” challenge. Southland has officially thrown down the gauntlet to fellow Edmonton-area bus companies, inviting them to see who can collect the most weight in food donations for the Food Bank.
The Mettle Games continue to grow not only as a celebration of physical strength and determination but also as a platform for giving back. Southland Edmonton is proud to play a role in strengthening both the strongman community and the city it serves.