If someone were to ask Winnipeg Blue Bombers alumnus Mike Hameluck what he has been up to since he retired from the CFL, among many things, he would share the story about his immersive philanthropic adventure with the International Peace Garden (IPG).

Hameluck's relationship with the Garden began in 2004 when he was doing work on a building on-site. Afterwards he learned the IPG was lacking funds and equipment – something that sparked his interest.

“As an alumn[us], giving back to the community, I feel, is very, very important; it's important to keep the Bomber name out there. For people to see that we don't just play football, we're out there doing what we can to help organizations that need it,” he said.

Since then, Hameluck has partnered with various businesses and individuals, both provincially and nationally, to collect donations for the Garden. He has provided thousands of dollars worth of items such as cultivators, gardening tools, soil, wheel barrows and more.

Garry Enns, CEO of the International Peace Garden, said he appreciates what the Bomber alumnus is doing.

"It makes a big difference to have somebody like Mike putting all the pieces together," said Enns.

With help from horticulture companies, Hameluck's most recent load of donations from last week included a special blend growing medium for the cactus garden, which is the largest cactus collection in North America.

It is being able to work with these businesses to provide these sorts of materials to the Garden that makes the job worthwhile, he said.

“The most enjoyable part, believe it or not, is meeting all the store managers and the staff and the corporate side of the companies. To me that's the most rewarding ... knowing you can deal with the corporate community to help set up long-term partnerships for places like the Peace Garden,” said Hameluck.