The ’Cats Community Initiatives
The Prince George Cougars organization understands the importance of being involved in our community. To achieve this we participate in a variety of player appearances and lend our support to community events. Our goal is to positively impact the City of Prince George and Northern B.C. for many years to come.
Through teamwork, interaction and dedication, the Cougars work to bring together a wealth of talent on and off the ice to build a better future for our community. Below you will find a list of the initiatives we are currently involved with. We will continue to update this information as we add new programs.
Cougars Community Corner- The Cougars offer space on their concourse throughout the season to help promote non-profit groups in the community. This provides groups with the opportunity to distribute information to Cougars fans, helping your agency raise awareness.To book your group to an upcoming Cougars game, contact Amy Erickson at amye@mag-net.com.
Cougars 5050 Society- Created in 1994, this Society has just reached the $1,000,000 mark in community donations.
Fan to Fan Program- The Prince George Cougars have partnered up with PGTV, 99.3 The Drive, 101.3 The River and Ticketmaster to create the Cougars “Fan to Fan” Program. The Cougars “Fan to Fan” Program gives fans the opportunity to donate their unused tickets to non-profit groups throughout the community of Prince George.
To donate your unused tickets, simply drop off your tickets to Ticketmaster and the Cougars will disperse them to worthy groups and individuals within Prince George.
Breakaway for Books- The Cougars visit numerous schools throughout the year promoting literacy.
Cats in the Classroom- Every week (when the team is in town), Cougar players visit local schools discussing the importance of making goals, working hard in school and making positive choices. If you would like to have the Cougars visit your school, contact Amy Erickson at amye@mag-net.com.
St. Mary’s School "Random Acts of Kindness"- Tickets are donated to students who demonstrate acts of kindness at school.
CN Community Ticket Program- The Cougars and CN team up to disperse tickets to individuals and groups in Northern BC who are making a difference in their community.
Tim Horton’s Educational Awareness Program- The Cougars and Tim Horton’s recognize students and teachers throughout Prince George who are shining bright. Recipients are awarded with game tickets.
Minor Hockey Night- The Cougars select a game and invite all Minor Hockey teams to be their guests of honor. The team that brings the most people to the game wins a practice with the Cougars team.
Jump on Board with the Cougars- The Cougars, Kopar Employment Services, Crisis Line of PG, Jump on Board-Youth Employment Services, Konica Minolta and the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC have teamed to focus on supporting youth and helping them reduce their barriers to employment. As youth unemployment is at its highest right now, a healthy youth must be able to access employment to reduce their contact with the Criminal Justice System.
Hockey Yes, Tobacco No Campaign- The Cougars, the Canadian Cancer Society and Northern Health team up to promote Tobacco Free sports to the youth in Prince George. Dana Tyrell and Greg Gardner are the "poster boys" of the initiative.
Yellowhead Rotary Food and Clothing Drive- Every December the Cougars hold a food and clothing drive to help benefit less fortunate individuals throughout the Holiday Season.
SPCA Drive- The Cougars love animals too! Every December a food and supply drive is organized to help support the local SPCA.
Cougar Helena Fund- The Cougars hold regular fundraising events to help raise money for the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter. For more infomation on Cougar Helena, check out http://www.pgcougars.com/cats/471/Meet+Helena
Pucks for Paeds- The Cougars hold regular visits to the Paediatrics Unit of PGRH. Each month, 1 patient is selected as the Cougars "Super Fan" and receives game tickets, personal time with players and a dressing room tour. Also, Spruce Credit Union donates $25.00 per power play goal to the Paediatrics Unit.
Christmas Toy Drive- The Cougars hold a toy drive each Christmas. All toys go directly to the Salvation Army during the Holiday Season.
Teddy Bear Toss- Every December the Cougars hold their annual Teddy Bear Toss. When the ’Cats score their 1st goal, fans throw bears on the ice. All bears collected go to the Salvation Army and Victim Services Unit.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George Save On More Campaign: Individuals can donate their Save-on More Points at any of the four Prince George Save-on Foods. For every 1,000 points donated Save-on Foods will donate $2.00 to our local agency. Campaign runs October 1st – December 31st. The goal for the campaign is 5,000,000 points (a $10,000 donation to BBBS agency). All proceeds support our local mentoring programs. Sponsored by: Save-on Foods, the Prince George Cougars, 101.3 The River, 99.3 The Drive, Shaw Cable and Splash Media Group.
Pay it Forward: Patients of Dr. Dean R. Rigler Chiropractic Corp. (the Cougars’ Chiropractor), who have exhausted their income assistance medical plan coverage, may have their visit fee refunded from their account by doing volunteer services in the Prince George area and presenting the office with a written receipt, confirming three hours of community service. This community service work must be completed within thirty calendar days of the treatment date. Contact the Dr. Dean R. Rigler Chiropractic Corp. at 562-2225 for more information.
Pucks for Bucks: Groups in Prince George will now have the opportunity to purchase tickets for $10.00 and sell them for up to $15.00. All profits raised will go directly to the group’s fundraising initiatives.
