NEWS RELEASE
COLLINGWOOD BLUES
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Kathy Jeffery, project chair for the Collingwood Blues: Hockey Battles Cancer event is proud to announce that the Blues have raised over $31,000! These funds will be used to provide support to local individuals going through cancer treatments, as well as the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital’s diagnostic imaging department.
The second-annual event took place on Feb. 2, at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena as the Collingwood Blues donned their commemorative purple jerseys and played host to the Oakville Blades. In front of a home crowd of more than 1,000 fans, the Blues players took part in an inspiring pre-game video montage sharing, one-by-one, who they were dedicating their game to, or essentially ‘battling’ for.
Surrounded by local dignitaries, sponsors and club leadership, Jeffery took center ice to thank the community for supporting the event.
“We are looking for two victories tonight, one on the ice and one off the ice, and I think the battle off the ice can be one that even our visiting team can get behind - Hockey Battles Cancer, because cancer touches everyone, through our family and friends," said Jeffery.
The event featured a silent auction, an online auction, a special Stanley Chuck promotion and a 50/50 draw led by the Collingwood Optimist Club. Special thanks to all volunteers who gave their time, local businesses for their contributions to the auctions, corporate sponsors, as well as the community-at-large for their outpouring of support.
“The last two years, we have dedicated a game to fundraise for those affected by cancer,” said Dylan Hudon, team captain of the Collingwood Blues. “It is a special night not only for our team but everyone in the community. Also, getting together as an organization to raise money and put on this event means a lot to everyone.”
"Christina and I are extremely proud of the success of the Hockey Battles Cancer charity event in support of those battling cancer,” said David Steele, owner and president of the Collingwood Blues. “One of our missions as a Hockey Club is to teach the youth of Collingwood that it is very important to give back to your community, especially those in need. We look forward to the ongoing support of charities and groups in and around Collingwood into the future."
“A large cornerstone of the Blues mission statement is to give back to community,” said Terry Geddes, chair of the Collingwood Blues Executive. “Our players and the organization along with David and Christina Steele have very, very high regard for this. Congratulations to Project Chair Kathy Jeffery for her outstanding leadership in giving back to the community”.
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