Placekicker Robbie Gould has been a member of the Chicago Bears since 2005. Since then, he has split the uprights 189 times, but his mission off the field is to “kick” hunger and that’s exactly what he’s doing.
Eight years ago, The Goulden Touch foundation was crafted to simply help those that are in need. And recently, Gould teamed up with Humana and the Norther Illinois Food Bank in an effort to bring awareness to the surrounding Chicago area.
“I have always been involved in charity work,” Gould stated, “but I was tired of doing work under the umbrella of others. This was my opportunity to start a charity to become my legacy after football.”
Nearly 1 in 5 children in the area of DuPage, Illinois, don’t have enough to eat. The food drive will provide awareness, as well as real help to children in the form of meal backpacks comprised of cereal, whole grain pastas and other foods that have a sustainable shelf life.
“It’s a great opportunity to help raise awareness and activate younger people,” Gould added. “I always knew (a problem) existed but not to what extent. One in five is a big number, and this is a unique opportunity to get involved.”
Gould will be making appearances at three high schools in the Indian Prairie School District 204, adding that his role is, “to energize the kids.”
Gould also noted a team effort is vital to the success of this mission: “It will take the community to back it for it to be successful.”
Pete Schaefer, CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank talked about the importance of the children who received the backpacks, saying, “We can’t lose this generation.”
The Four Pillars of The Goulden Touch are Education, Medical Research, Health and Wellness, and Social Service. And with a team effort, Gould, Humana, and the Food Bank are doing their part to bring awareness and treat the problem of child hunger one backpack at a time.
For more information on the Gould Foundation, visit www.gouldentouch.org to make a difference.
