Kamloops Storm collect hundreds of donations at annual Teddy Bear Toss

“We had a good crowd on Saturday night for a great hockey game. You know, it was great atmosphere and there’s a bunch of different bodies of people that attended the game,” said Matt Kolle, general manager for the team. “It just seemed to be a real positive attitude and we raised goods and funds for a good cause.”

On Tuesday (Dec. 12) morning, the team went through the haul and got ready to deliver everything.

“It felt great. It’s always good to give back to the community and volunteering is a huge part of what we want to do here within the organization, because, you know, it’s not just hockey,” said Sam Lewis, who is in his fourth season playing with the Storm. “You know, some people aren’t as fortunate enough to be living in this country and playing hockey like we are, so whatever we can do to give back is great.”

In addition to the toys, 225 food items and $550 were collected at the game to be donated to the Kamloops Food Bank.

“We did it last year, so it’s always a good feeling that we’re, you know, giving back to people, especially this time of year – it’s Christmas,” Storm defenceman Devin Benson told CFJC News. “And, you know, some people aren’t always fortunate enough to have everything we have, so this is something we really enjoy doing.”

The Teddy Bear Toss is the 12th community event the team has participated in this year, and it won’t be the last.

The team’s general manager believes what his players do off the ice is just as important as how they play.

“Events like this are important in that, you know, we are building and developing hockey players on the ice, but more importantly, we’re developing people,” Kolle said. “And when it comes to developing people, these types of activities off the ice are important.”

by Sydney Chisholm

Kamloops Storm collect hundreds of donations at annual Teddy Bear Toss

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