Holiday spirit continues to shine in Prince George, including at the business level.
Today (Dec. 23), the Prince George Cougars has increased its fundraising goal for its virtual 2020 Teddy and Toque Toss to $10,000 as one of its larger donations pushed them over the original $5,000 mark.
TELUS’ Northern BC branch pooled $2,500 together towards the cause, which proceeds are earmarked for the Salvation Army to create more Christmas hampers for families in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s circumstances.
Currently, the campaign boasts $7,200 since it officially kicked off on Dec. 10.
"This has been a challenging year for many, and when things are at their worst, residents in Prince George can count on the TELUS team to be at their best," said Brian Bettis, TELUS General Manager for Northern B.C., in a statement this afternoon.
"Since the beginning of March, TELUS has dedicated $150 million to support Canadians through the COVID-19 crisis, and we are proud to support the Prince George Cougars and the local Salvation Army this holiday season. Even though we can't celebrate and give in person at the Teddy & Toque Toss game, we hope this inspires others in a position to give to support our local community this holiday season."
Regardless of the final total, Salvation Army Major Neil Wilkinson is hoping the community can understand the sense of urgency needed this holiday season, telling PrinceGeorgeMatters the demand for the non-profit’s services has grown at an ‘alarming’ rate.
“People that have traditionally accessed service with the Salvation Army are really feeling the pinch [...] We’re trying to fight that undercurrent sense of hopelessness in the community, but also meeting our pandemic response,” he said as he hopes to hand out roughly 180 more hampers to marginalized families and individuals.
“They have lost their employment, they’re not able to make ends meet on their current financial structure, they were used to a certain standard of living beforehand and now that they’re on restricted income the need is even greater.”
The Western Hockey League (WHL) has postponed its plans to start the 2020-21 season on Jan. 8, 2021 to a later date that’s yet to be determined.
The league said it’s ‘not in a position’ to tentatively set one given various public health restrictions in its six jurisdictions.
Since the delay from the very beginning, the Cougars had to get creative with its fundraising as the Teddy and Toque Toss would’ve normally taken place earlier this month.
After that first $600 was raised in the opening 24 hours, Cougars Vice-President of Business Andy Beesley has been amazed with the community’s support, especially with TELUS’ donation today.
“The Cougars and our city are very fortunate to have amazing community supporters like TELUS. This donation will go a long way to replacing the thousands of items that normally would have been donated at our Teddy & Toque Toss game, and I know families in need will be extremely grateful for the generosity shown by TELUS.”
If you wish to contribute to the cause, you’re encouraged to visit the Prince George Cougars’ or Salvation Army’s website.
