The Prince George Cougars Alumni Association and Cougars Society are teaming up and the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation to help to ease the wildfire situation for thousands of B.C. residents displaced from their homes.
The three organizations announced Friday they will be donating $10,000 to local efforts to support the nearly 7,000 people who have registered as evacuees at the Prince George emergency centre based at the College of New Caledonia.
“We share the concern for those displaced during the fire evacuation and are happy to partner with the P.G. Cougars Alumni and P.G Cougars Society to provide assistance during this time,” said Judy Neiser, CEO for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. “As a healthcare foundation, this is what partnerships and community is all about – people helping people.”
The Cougars' wildfire relief effort is in addition to the events of the Western Hockey League club's sixth annual Prince George Cougars Alumni Hospital Charity golf tournament this weekend at Prince George Golf and Curling Club. Money raised from the tournament will be used to purchase hospital equipment for University Hospital of Northern B.C.
Over the past five years, the tournament has provided the hospital close to $300,000 and last year, the event raised more than $60,000. Money raised this weekend will be used to help buy a suite of ECHO ultrasound equipment for cardiac diagnostics and emergency care.
“Contributing to this cause is extremely important from the alumni’s perspective,” said Tyler Brough, president of the Cougars Alumni Association. “We have felt so much support over the years from hockey fans all over Northern British Columbia and the main purpose of our alumni association is to give back and make a difference in a region that has impacted all of us so positively.
"There are members of our alumni association that have been directly affected by the B.C. wildfires and we couldn’t be happier that proceeds from this weekend will be benefiting both local healthcare and those impacted by the wildfires.”
Among the former Cougar players entered in the tournament are Dallas Stars defenceman Dan Hamhuis, who suited up for the Cats from 1998-2002, and former NHL defenceman Eric Brewer (1995-1998). Hamhuis and Brewer are also part-owners of the team.
Also teeing it up for Saturday's tournament are Blake Robson (2000-2003), Dan Baum (1998-2003) Sam Ruopp (2012-2017), Jansen Harkins (2012-2017), Ty Edmonds (2012-2017) and Chase Witala (2010-2016). Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Brandon Manning and Vancouver Canucks alumni Darcy Rota (1979-1984) and Garry Monahan (1974-1978) are also entered.
“The Prince George Cougars Alumni Association, the Cougars Society and Spirit of the North are excited to work together all weekend to raise money for charity,” said Andy Beesley, the Cougars vice-president of business. “We recognize the extreme difficulty these wildfires are causing families and communities and we’ve committed this donation to help those in need.”
Fans are invited to today’s meet and greet this afternoon at 4 p.m. at CN Centre. Autograph booklets will be available by donation to raise money for the cause.
