The Kitmart Dundee Stars took around 200 cuddly toys to Ninewells Hospital’s Children’s Ward on Tuesday afternoon, as they donated around one third of the teddies that were thrown onto the ice at our annual teddy toss match.
When Craig Gans netted the Stars only goal on Saturday night, the bears hit the ice and it was clear from the sheer amount of cuddly toys covering the ice pad that the total would surpass last season’s record amount of 450.
The amazing total for this season is just under 600, which is absolutely fantastic. So a HUGE thank you to everyone involved.
The toys have been donated on behalf of our amazing fans to children in the surrounding area and this season we are supporting mainly supporting TayFM’s Mission Christmas and Ninewells Hospital Children’s Ward.
Dundee Stars captain, Matt Marquardt was one of five Stars players who handed out the bears to the children at Ninewells Childrens Ward on Tuesady afternoon.
He said: “It was a great afternoon delivering the teddy bears to the kids at Ninewells.
“It’s always wonderful to help put smiles on the children’s faces during these difficult times for them and their families.
“It really puts things into perspective that there is much more to life than many things we tend to stress over.
“We all enjoyed the opportunity to visit the families and spread some holiday cheer and we would like to thank the families and the staff at Ninewells for having us.
“Also, we want to give a big thank you to all the Stars fans who contributed to the Teddy Bear toss, it is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.”
Play specialist Una Paton added: “The children had great fun this afternoon and were very excited to meet the team and choose a teddy. Thank you for thinking of us at this time of year.”
Stars general manager and head coach, Omar Pacha commented: “The teddy-toss is a fantastic tradition in hockey.
“As an organisation, we are continuing to work proactively with the Dundee community and this year’s record-breaking number of teddies is another great indication of the progress that has taken place this season within Stars in the Community.
“We are grateful to everyone who donated and made this year’s teddy toss another huge success.
“These events are great for all parts of the organisation and we are just so pleased to be giving back to the local community.”
The Stars are back at home this Friday as they take on the Belfast Giants and it is also another special occasion as its Christmas jumper night and there will also be a charity collection for Save the Children. You can BUY your tickets NOW!
We encourage all fans to come along dressed in their best Xmas jumpers and to donate £2 to a great cause during the festive period.
