Instead of tossing teddy bears, two Langley hockey teams are asking fans to throw socks, gloves, toques and blankets on the ice.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the Junior B Langley Trappers, who play in the Harold Brittain Conference of the Pacific Junior Hockey League, will hold their first 91ƵWarmth Night91Ƶ when they play the Abbotsford Pilots on home ice at George Preston arena in Langley at 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec 9, it will be the turn of the Junior A Langley Rivermen, who play in the Mainland Division of the British Columbia Hockey League, who will be hosting the Chilliwack Chiefs at George Preston at 7:15 p.m.
Like the teddy bear toss, fans will throw cold weather items for the homeless when their team scores a first goal.
Fans who donate will receive free tickets to future games.
Shane Muche, director of sales and marketing for the Langley Rivermen Hockey Club, said the teams started looking at alternatives to the annual Christmas tradition after last year, when they had trouble finding agencies who would accept the toys.
They decided to ask for non-perishable food items and cold weather clothing to help the homeless, with food collected in the arena lobby, while the clothing can be tossed on the ice after the team scores.
91ƵWe thought we91Ƶd try it and so far it91Ƶs been really well received,91Ƶ Muche told the Langley Advance Times.
Kimz Angels, the Langley non-profit that helps the homeless, will be the recipient of the donated clothing and food.
Founder Kim Snow was delighted when the teams contacted her.
91ƵThey read about what we do and they91Ƶd decided to donate to a charity like ours,91Ƶ Snow recalled.
91ƵWe91Ƶre always asking for toques and sock and stuff.91Ƶ
Snow is hoping other teams do likewise.
91ƵI91Ƶd love to see more events like that,91Ƶ Snow said.
91ƵIt goes straight to the community and it91Ƶs all needed 91Ƶ we can definitely use that stuff.91Ƶ
George Preston is located at 20699 42 Ave.
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