Calgary Hitmen Suit up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation
February 28, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Calgary Hitmen and their Don Cherry-themed jerseys
(Calgary Hitmen)
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club will wear specially-designed Don Cherry-themed jerseys on Sunday, Mar. 3 at 4:00 p.m., when they host the Kootenay ICE at the Scotiabank Saddledome. It's all part of RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation which sees all 17 Canadian Western Hockey League markets host this awareness game.
The limited edition jerseys will only be worn Sunday and feature each player's nickname on the name bar and black and copper flowers designed as a Don Cherry sports jacket. A high white collar, red tie, red pocket square in the shape of a rose, custom cuffs featuring Don Cherry's initials with a Canadian maple leaf, a Kidney Foundation of Canada shoulder patch and a RE/MAX shoulder patch complete the one-of-a-kind look.
"It's a privilege to be associated with Don and his family as they lead the charge on such an important and timely topic as organ donation," said Rob Kerr, Hitmen Assistant Manager of Business Operations. "Working closely with the Kidney Foundation and a great partner like RE/MAX it's clear that this initiative is having a positive effect on Calgarians locally and Canadians as a whole. Our players and fans love the jerseys that only Grapes could inspire."
"Thanks to RE/MAX, the WHL and all its fans, the number of transplants last year increased by 13 per cent," said Don Cherry. "Let's keep this momentum going by signing your donor card and talking to your family. It only makes sense."
The Kidney Foundation is a cause close to the Cherry Family as Don's son, Tim, received a kidney transplant from his sister Cindy.
"We are grateful to the WHL, RE/MAX and the Cherry family for coming together on this important initiative," said Joyce Van Deurzen of the Kidney Foundation of Canada (SAB). "Each year more than 250 Canadians die because the wait is too long. Our goal is that everyone who needs a transplant will get one."
When doors open at 3:00 p.m. the first 1,000 fans will receive a limited second-edition Don Cherry and dog Blue bobblehead. Plaid RE/MAX drink koozies shaped like a house will also be available at various locations on the concourse. There will be a Kidney Foundation Booth, located on the concourse behind section 226, featuring a life-size Don Cherry cardboard cut-out for photo opportunities.
Fans will be able to bid on the stylish Don Cherry-inspired uniforms at ElevateAuctions.com. The online auction opens game time Sunday and will close on Sunday, Mar. 10 at 8:00 p.m., with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the local chapter of the Kidney Foundation. In addition to game-worn and game-issued uniforms, fans can also bid on a Don Cherry-autographed jersey.
More than 4,500 Canadians are currently awaiting an organ donation - 77 per cent whom require a kidney. Joanne Wilson and her son Markus, a 3.5 year-old awaiting a kidney transplant will participate in Sunday's ceremonial puck drop.
Hitmen single game tickets are available online at HitmenHockey.com, by visiting Ticketmaster or the Scotiabank Saddledome box office. For more ticket information, including details on the exclusive privileges Hitmen season pass holders receive that ensures no ticket goes unused, contact customer service at 403-777-4646.
Images from this story
 Calgary Hitmen and their Don Cherry-themed jerseys |
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