The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on many Prince George non-profits ahead of the holiday season.
The Salvation Army is no exception as, in a normal year, the organization would be advocating and teaming up with the Prince George Cougars for its annual Teddy and Toque Toss Night, when fans get to throw winter clothing and stuffed animals over the glass when the red and white score first.
However, with the WHL currently holding off its season tentatively until Jan. 8, 2021, the initiative, like most others, is going virtual, but the message to the community remains the same.
“We’re trying to share a message of hope, a message that we can get through this together, but we’re also trying to talk about how these 'Teaming Up' opportunities, like the one we celebrate today, is so important in order to make sure that the Salvation Army can continue to meet the increasing demands in the community.”
That’s from Salvation Army Major Neil Wilkinson in response to PrinceGeorgeMatters about the needs of those that regularly look to the charity for help.
However, Major Wilkinson points to a greater urgency for donations this year, which the virtual Teddy and Toque Toss has set a goal of $5,000 in order to create and distribute dozens of Christmas hampers for local families.
“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, explaining the Salvation Army will be handing out roughly 180 more hampers this year as a result of the ‘alarming’ demand for essential goods and services from 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.”
Since the campaign officially launched on Thursday (Dec. 10), more than $600 has been raised thus far and both parties are confident that Prince George’s generosity will shine through once again.
“The Teddy and Toque Toss is just one of those feel-good moments of the year, everybody has so much fun and it feels good to be donating in such a fun way,” said Cougars Vice-President of Business Andy Beesley, adding it was important to the franchise to not leave a gap in a partnership that’s lasted for more than six years.
“We looked at a variety of ways; we actually considered a drive-thru Teddy and Toque Toss in the parking lot and have people drive-thru to throw donations into a big giant bin. We opted away from that because we weren’t sure about health orders and just like the Salvation Army who are trying to keep its staff and volunteers. We went round and round in circles [...] but at the end of the day, we just thought that simpler was probably better.”
The Cougars are asking fans to calculate the money they’d normally spend for the game, including the winter clothing item, the stuffed animal, at the beer garden, at the concession or in the team store, and consider giving it directly to the Salvation Army instead, noting that cash is needed more during these uncertain times.
Tax receipts are also available once you make a donation.
You can find more information on the virtual Teddy and Toque Toss on the Prince George Cougars’ website.
