The mitts were flying at the Eagles hockey game on Nov. 27.
No, it was not because of the fierce on-ice rivalry between Innisfail and the Stony Plains Eagles. It was all for a good cause.
The Friday night hockey game, which the hometown Eagles ultimately won 6-5, was the venue for the Christmas Bureau's second annual Stuffy, Toque, or Mitt Toss, an event that was once again supported by the Innisfail branch of Scotiabank.
“The Christmas Bureau was doing it so we asked them how we could help,” said Nancy Horkoff, branch manager at the bank, who was invited to do the ceremonial puck drop before the start of the game. “We set up a box in the branch where our customers and staff could drop in donations on their behalf, and this year we were able to get some hockey tickets to raffle off so they could get some dollars as well.”
Horkoff said about 300 items were collected at the bank, and it was matched by at least that amount from the hockey game toss, which took place immediately after the first goal in the opening period. She said every item is now in the hands of the Christmas Bureau.
As for the two hockey tickets, which are for the game between the Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks on Jan. 11, they were raffled off for $289. That money has also been donated to the Christmas Bureau.
“The response to requests for donations had been excellent, and we actually feel that this will be a very needy year due to the economy,” said Norma Hoppins, donations coordinator at the bureau, of the Stuffy, Toque, or Mitt Toss. She added the bureau is still in need of new stuffed toys.
“This community is always generous.”
Donations of new unwrapped items can be dropped off at the Christmas Bureau in the old fire hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Dairy Queen, or during the day at the town office. If any citizen or organization would like a bureau volunteer to pick up a group donation he or she can call 403-872-8944.
If any citizen wants to help the local Christmas Bureau, or wants more information on how to register families or friends, he or she can call 403-227-4328 or 403-227-4144, or email at [email protected]
Norma Hoppins
"The response to requests for donations had been excellent, and we actually feel that this will be a very needy year due to the economy."
