The Kamloops Blazers annual teddy bear toss will be going virtual because of COVID-19.
It comes as the WHL anticipates its 2020-21 season to get going on Jan. 8, which currently is expected to be without fans in the stands.
In lieu of the thousands of bears thrown on the ice at Sandman Centre during the teddy bear toss game, people can donate money online until midnight on Dec. 15 which will be used to buy teddy bears and other ‘comfort items’ for children in the Pediatric Department at Royal Inland Hospital.
“RIH is very grateful for the tremendous amount of stuffies donated in the past, thanks to the Kamloops Blazers’ Teddy Bear Toss. Every year, hundreds of stuffed animals have been brought to the arena by fans, and have been used to give comfort and security to a young patient,” said a statement from Jenna Vanderburgh, the Director of Annual Giving at the RIH Foundation.
“The Pediatric Department’s stuffy inventory is running critically low, so the timing of the online Teddy Bear Toss is perfect.”
The goal this year is to raise $5,000. Due to COVID-19 safety measures, people will not be able to donate actual teddy bears this year.
The Kamloops Blazers started the annual teddy bear toss tradition during the 1993-94 season, which has now spread to hockey leagues across the world.
“We are proud to have an opportunity to continue the tradition of the teddy bear toss that the Kamloops Blazers started,” noted Blazers President Don Moores. “This is a tremendous opportunity to support the RIH Foundation and ensure that the tradition of the toss continues in a way that is safe for our community.”