Lethbridge Hurricanes distribute stuffed animals from Toque & Teddy Toss game

A few players from the Lethbridge Hurricanes were able to give back to some kids in a special way on Monday. Teddy bears that were thrown on the ice during the Canes annual Toque and Teddy Toss game Friday were handed out to children this afternoon at the Audiology and Children’s Allied Health Services unit. Goalie for the Hurricanes, Bryan Thomson, says they haven’t been able to give back to the kids in a few years so this was extra special. 

“Helping the community and the kids is an awesome feeling. It really puts into perspective what we do this for. It’s a great cause and to be able to bring a little bit more joy into the children’s lives in the holiday season, it’s a good feeling,” said Bryan Thomson, Goalie for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

An official with Alberta Health Services say the bears are useful as they help a child who may be going through a difficult time during a hospital visit.  

“Specifically a youth, while they’re going through a difficult time, hospitalization can be really stressful. Increase the anxiety. Just the ability to give the teddy bear helps calm everyone’s nerves, normalize the hospital experience a little bit and make it a little bit more palatable for the family to be in hospital,” said Jodie Anderson-De Boer, Child Life Specialist at the Chinook Regional Hospital for Alberta Health Services.

Over five thousand bears and a large number of toques were collected during Friday’s game.