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WHL's Don Cherry Night Raised over $460,000 in 2018-19

May 4, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Red Deer, Alta. - The Western Hockey League and RE/MAX of Western Canada are proud to announce that over $460,000 has been raised through two seasons of the 'RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation' campaign.

Beginning Saturday, January 19 through Saturday, March 9, 2019, the WHL's 17 Canadian member Clubs played host to themed game nights, complete with a variety of promotions for fans in attendance.

"No force in Canada is stronger than Canadians who love hockey, so when the Western Hockey League joined forces with The Kidney Foundation of Canada and RE/MAX of Western Canada to promote organ donation, you knew something great was going to happen," Don Cherry says. "In two years, together, they raised nearly half a million dollars and brought organ donation front and centre in people's minds. Last year there was a rise of transplants in Canada by 2.6 per cent, in the west that percentage was 13.3 per cent. All involved should be very proud."

A second special-edition bobblehead was given to 1,000 fans at each game along with 1,000 plaid house-shaped RE/MAX drink koozies. Fans in attendance also took photos with a life-size Don Cherry cut out. On the ice, WHL Clubs sported their own unique and specially-designed Don Cherry-themed uniforms, complete with player-selected nicknames instead of traditional surnames.

"Once again, WHL fans in Western Canada have shown a tremendous willingness to get behind a noble cause in support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada," comments WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. "Incredible contributions from WHL fans, the partnership of the WHL's longest standing corporate sponsor, RE/MAX of Western Canada, and the support of Don Cherry and his family have all been instrumental in assisting the WHL in promoting awareness of the importance of organ donation."

Fans had the opportunity to bid on the limited-edition jerseys, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to local chapters of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. In addition to game-worn uniforms, fans were given the chance to bid on a Don Cherry-autographed jersey in each participating WHL market.

"The generosity of Western Canadians is truly remarkable," says Elaine Langhout, Director of Regional Advertising for RE/MAX of Western Canada. "At this year's games, we even saw some folks wearing last year's jerseys and we thank all the fans who came out and supported us and this tremendous cause, and most of all, we thank Don Cherry and his family for sharing their story."

The Cherry family, RE/MAX and the WHL came together to create this awareness campaign in support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Though the number of transplants increased by 13 per cent last year, 4,300 Canadians still await organ transplants today, with 80% of them needing a kidney.

For more information on 'RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation' or to sign up to be a donor, visit CanadaDonates.ca.

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