Meeple in your Neighbourhood – David Greaves

When people talk about the strength of Saskatchewan’s tabletop gaming community, they often point to the games themselves…the epic strategy sessions, the laughter around the table, or the excitement of discovering a new favourite title. But for many players, it’s really about the people. Few stories capture that better than that of David Greaves, one of the newest faces helping grow the community around Play with Your Food and Chewsday Challenge.

Originally from Ontario, David moved to Saskatoon in 2015 and found himself searching for connection in a brand-new city. Like many gamers, his journey into the hobby started with a few well-known gateway games.

“I remembered having a good time with Dominion, Pandemic, and Ticket to Ride,” he says. “I thought finding a gaming group would be a great way to fix that loneliness.”

It worked!

What began as a search for community quickly became a lasting passion. David connected with experienced hobby gamers in Saskatoon who introduced him to a much wider world of tabletop gaming.

“They already had large collections, so playing with them really expanded my gaming palate,” he explains. “I found my people and hobby and haven’t looked in the rear view since.”

While he had experimented with modern board games between 2012 and 2015, it was after moving west that the hobby truly took hold. Since then, gaming has become both a social outlet and a meaningful part of his life.

That journey eventually brought him to the Regina area in 2025, where he once again found himself looking for a gaming community to call home. Through a mutual connection in Saskatoon, David was introduced to Matt Robertson and encouraged to check out Chewsday Challenge.

The first game he played there? Oath…not exactly a light introduction!

“I had a blast,” he laughs. “And I kept coming back for the people and the games.”

As he became more involved, David quickly discovered that Play With Your Food was about far more than simply gathering around a table.

“As I learned more about PwYF from attending Chewsday Challenge, I began to appreciate how beautiful it is that the gaming community comes together like that to support a good cause while partaking in the hobby we all enjoy.”

That combination of community, generosity, and shared enthusiasm is what has kept him involved ever since.

“The people, of course,” he says when asked what keeps him coming back. “Everyone is just so friendly and kind. Oh, and the games! Plenty of fun games to return for too!”

Outside of gaming, David’s life is just as lively and eclectic as the games he enjoys. He works remotely for the University of Saskatchewan, helping professors use data to improve and enhance their teaching practices. At home, however, things get a little less academic, and a lot more chaotic.

David and his wife Laura live on an acreage south of Regina alongside what he lovingly describes as “quite the little zoo.”

Their household includes 17 animals: alpacas, llamas, horses, cats, a dog, guinea pigs, and even a tortoise!

When it comes to gaming preferences, David considers himself fairly open-minded.

“I play any game with any willing person,” he says.

Well… almost any game.

“My wife taught me reaction games aren’t my thing after beating me decisively at Ghost Blitz over and over and over again.”

Beyond lightning-fast reflexes, though, David is happy to dive into nearly anything. His ideal experience tends to lean toward games that are both thematic and mechanically rich. The kind of games that create memorable stories while still offering plenty of strategic depth.

“A good thematic but crunchy game is probably my sweet spot,” he explains.

Still, for David, the magic of gaming isn’t only found in mechanics or themes. Like many in the Play With Your Food community, the social experience is what matters most.

That’s one of the reasons he believes Chewsday Challenge continues to resonate with so many people.

“There’s just always something going on,” he says. “It’s a great way to have fun while supporting a worthy cause. It’s also super well organized, so the community sets you up well for success right from the first time you attend.”

Outside of tabletop gaming, David enjoys staying active through racquet sports like tennis and pickleball, though he jokingly excludes badminton from that list. He also enjoys exploring Regina’s restaurant scene and finding opportunities to keep learning, something that clearly aligns with his work in education.

“You’ll often find me watching educational YouTube videos while doing my chores,” he says.

Now, David is taking on a new role within the community as a new Chewsday Challenge Ambassador, where he hopes to help welcome even more people into the hobby and the organization.

“I’m excited to contribute in my own way,” he says. “I look forward to helping bring new people into this great community through this role.”

For anyone who has ever walked into a game night feeling uncertain, nervous, or simply hoping to meet new people, David’s story is a reminder of what makes communities like Play with Your Food so special. Sometimes all it takes is a single game night, a welcoming table, and a group of friendly gamers to turn a hobby into a home.