Tossing Teddy Bears for Kids

The Calgary Hitmen Annual Teddy Bear Toss

I had the pleasure of attending the Calgary Hitmen game this afternoon where the 18th annual Teddy Bear toss took place!

This annual event is an experience, besides just watching the local Calgary WHL team play (and win) the experience of the teddy bears raining down is hard to describe!

A big thanks to Suncor Energy for sponsoring this amazing event that brings a furry little friend into the arms of so many kids who would have otherwise possibly gone without this holiday season.

Here is a photo about 1 minute in:

Here is a photo near the end:

The Grand Teddy Total

All in, over 21,000 bears were collected. This is an amazing feat that benefits many local charitable groups. It is literally a monsoon of stuffed animals, seemingly raining from the rafters! This year the recipients include:

• Alberta Children’s Hospital
• Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank
• Boys and Girls Club of Calgary
• Stephen’s Backpacks
• Salvation Army
• the YWCA
• Red Cross

Calgary Sets North American Record

Back in 2007 Calgary set a North American record with over 27,000 bears donated. This is another unbelievable and amazing example about the charitable mood in Calgary. As a city, we are a giving, generous and charitable bunch, widely regarded as one of the most giving cities in Canada.

Why I Love Calgary

It is events like this that make me feel really proud of our city and remind me why, I love Calgary so so much. Over 190,000 stuffed animals have been donated to Calgary kids through this event since the Teddy Bear toss started.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me and reading this post.

- Cody