Virtual Teddy and Toque Toss raises $11,000 for Salvation Army Food Bank
SHARE ON: Toque and Teddy Toss (Photo from Prince George Cougars)
The 2020 Prince George Cougar’s Virtual Teddy and Toque Toss raised $11,000 for the Salvation Army Food Bank.
“It’s been an honour to partner with The Salvation Army for so many years and we were blown away by the response of our fans, local businesses, and the community to help combat the unprecedented challenges so many are facing during this pandemic,” said Cougars’ Vice President, Business Andy Beesley.
Despite the longstanding tradition moving online to adhere to provincial guidelines, the initial campaign goal of $5,000 was beaten within a couple of days.
The Prince George Cougars and the City of Prince George has reached an agreement on a 10-year lease.
The contract to keep the Western Hockey League franchise as the primary tenant at CN Centre is longer in length than any other agreement they’ve made since they began playing at CN Centre in 1995. Previous leases were three-year agreements with an option to extend another two years.
Since the last lease expired in 2008, the team went on a year-to-year basis. This contract includes those two years, meaning it won’t expire until 2018.
Cougars vice president Brandi Brodsky announced the new deal on Wednesday during a media conference. Community representatives on hand to discuss the contract included manager of CN Centre and community arenas Andy Beesley and city councilor Brian Skakun.
PG Cougars remain in holding pattern as it is not business as usual
SHARE ON: Prince George Cougars Vice President Andy Beesley (Photo supplied by Brendan Pawliw MyPGNow.com staff)
Instead of committing to a set restart date, Prince George Cougars VP of Business Andy Beesley says the league will be better off rolling with the punches when it comes to the pandemic.
The Western Hockey League announced yesterday (Tuesday) it will delay the start of the 2020-21 regular season, after originally committing to a January 8 start date.
“It is a process, not a single moment in time. We have daily, continuous meetings, zoom calls, and discussions. There is so much work being done behind the scenes,” explained Beesley.
“The Cougars’ partnership with The Salvation Army is a time-honoured tradition that truly does Give Hope Today – we are grateful for the continued work that the Cougars undertake for the benefit of our community,” Salvation Army Major Neil Wilkinson said in a press release. “This year, more than ever, we depend on the partnerships that we have to continue to meet the rising unmet needs in our community.” There are five donation tiers – Starting Line-Up, Hat-Trick, All-Star, Hall of Fame and Assist – which range from $25 to $500. “Our annual Teddy (and) Toque Toss game is a tradition, and while it’s a lot of fun for everyone, we are very concerned that our inability to hold the game this year is leaving a major gap for the Salvation Army and the families who are in need of the many thousands of items donated each year,” Cougars vice-president Andy Beesley said in a press release. “I would encourage all fans to think about what they would have spent co