Teddy's to be tossed at Prospera

Photo: Contributed

Some of the thousands of teddy bears tossed annually at Calgary Hitmen games.

The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to be presenting their first ever Teddy Bear Toss on Friday night, when the Rockets host the Everett Silvertips at Prospera Place.

Rockets fans are asked to bring a teddy bear to the game (12 inches or smaller) and toss them on the ice when Kelowna scores its first goal.

The teddy bears will then be donated to Kelowna General Hospital and used in the emergency, pediatric and other wards at the hospital.

"We're very excited to be hosting a teddy bear toss for the first time in our history," said Rockets marketing director Anne-Maire Hamilton. "Knowing that the teddy bears will be used at Kelowna General Hospital is a perfect fit and a great thing during the Christmas season."

In past years, the Rockets weren't able to find a community group who would take all of the bears but Kelowna General Hospital stepped forward and says they will use them to help kids who may be struggling in the hospital.

"We're very excited and appreciative to be partnering with the Kelowna Rockets for their teddy bear toss," said Dr. Dr. Mike Ertel. "Being able to present a child with a teddy bear can help them deal with being in the hospital. We're a growing hospital and we are doing great things medically but we also want to remain active in the community and this is a great way for us to do that."

Several community groups have already donated teddy bears for the cause and fans are asked to bring new teddy bears that are no taller than 12 inches to the game. Bags and twist ties will be available at the rink.