Community Initiatives

The ’Cats Community Initiatives

The Prince George Cougars organization understands the importance of community involvement. 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.

Adopt-a-School Launch- The Cougars visited various schools in Prince George to launch the Adopt-a-School program. Six local schools are sponsored, giving students in those schools a chance to earn tickets to Cougars games.

Breakaway for Books- This season the Prince George Cougars teamed up with the Prince George Free Press and Panago to promote literacy in Prince George schools. The Cougars visited local classrooms each week that they were in town in 2009/2010.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George Save On More Campaign (Dates TBA): Individuals can donate their Save-on More Points at any of the four Prince George Save-on Foods. 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.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure (Oct 4): The entire team along with coaches and Cougars staff participated in the Run on October 4th. The Cougars staff team raised over $1300 in donations for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Fright Lite Night (Oct 30)- The Prince George Cougars were proud to support the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in October when they sold Frightlites as a fundraiser for the foundation.  

Cats in the Classroom- 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@pgcougars.com.

Christmas Toy Drive (Dec 2)- The Cougars hold a toy drive each Christmas. All toys go directly to the Salvation Army during the Holiday Season.

CN Community Ticket Program- The Cougars and CN teamed up to disperse tickets to individuals and groups in Northern BC who are making a difference in their community. In 2009/2010 St. Mary's School, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Prince George Community Policing, the Canadian Cancer Sociey, Canadian Red Cross, Sacred Heart School, Children First PG, Prism Film Festival, Future Cents Program, CFIS FM, BC Paraplegic Association and Prince George Search and Rescue were recipients courtesy of CN’s generous support.

Community Day at Famous Players Cinemas (Mar 27)- The Cougars have teamed up with Famous Players and Northern Health to raise money for local kids on Community Day. Famous Players will show five free movies to benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada on Saturday, March 27^th, with showtimes beginning at 9am. Regular popcorn and regular drinks will be $2 each with all proceeds going to support the Foundation. Bracelets will be sold for $2 with funds also going to the Paediatrics Unit and families are encouraged to bring donations of small change. Local players will attend the event will be available for autographs and photos before the shows begin. Families can look forward to entertainment by magician Ben Gibson, face-painting, clowns and a visit from Rowdy Cat.  Showtimes: Astro Boy- 9:00am, Monsters vs. Aliens (3D)- 9:05am, Planet 51- 9:10am, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs- 9:15am, Twilight: New Moon- 9:20am. Doors will open at 8am.

Cougars All Access Program- The Cougars created the All Access program to further strenghten the relationships between players and their fans. Through various events and functions throughout the year, All Access allows fans the opportunity to interact with the Cougars players and staff. Events include Skate with the Cougars and our Kid’s Club. Keep up to date as new events are added throughout the year by visiting the Fan Zone at www.pgcougars.com.

Cougars ’Clean Out the Closet’ Game (Mar 10)- The Cougars supported The Salvation Army during the 2nd Annual ’Clean Out the Closet’ Game on March 10th. Fans brought bring gently used clothing and household items to the game to support local 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 at a Cougars game in the 2010/2011 season, please send your request in writing to info@pgcougars.com.  Organizations supported through the Cougars Community Corner in '09/'10 included:

AiMHi, Alzheimer Society of BC, Barkerville Historic Town, BC Girl Guides- Rivers North Area, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George, Canadian Blood Services, Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Canadian Kidney Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association, Child Development Centre, Community Policing of Prince George, Crisis Centre for Northern BC, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Excalibur Theatre Arts Co, The Exploration Place, Fort St James National Historic Site, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Huble Homstead, Kinsmen Club of Prince George, myPG, Northern Health's Tobacco Reduction Program, Parent Support Services, Positive Living North, Prince George Minor Hockey Association, Prince George Public Library, Prince George Special Olympics, Prince George Women's Recreational Hockey League, Railway & Forestry Museum of Prince George, Operation Red Nose, SPCA, Studio 2880,Two Rivers Gallery, UNBC First Nations Centre and Volunteer PG. 

Cougars 5050 Society- Created in 1994, this Society has reached the $1,000,000 mark in community donations.

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.

Esther's Inn Room Referrals for BBBS: Every time a Cougars fan books a room at Esther's Inn after being referred by the Cougars, Esther's Inn will donate $5 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George. Just quote this code (ECP09) to support BBBS and to get great rates.   

Family Day with the Cougars (Jan 3)- The Prince George Cougars once again hosted the Family Day Game. Families enjoyed interacting at Two Rivers Gallery Creation Station, the Canadian Cancer Society's giant board game, Big Brother Big Sister's face painting table and the Cougars' colouring contest. After the game, Cougars fans joined the team on ice for the Annual Skate with the Cougars.

Fan to Fan Program- 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.

Haiti Earthquake Fundraiser (Jan 16)- The Cougars collected donations at the January 16th game on behalf of the Red Cross. Cougars fans were generous donating $1064, which was matched by the Cougars organization for a total of $2128 raised for relief efforts in Haiti.

Hockey Yes, Tobacco No Campaign- The Cougars, the Canadian Cancer Society and Northern Health teamed up to promote Tobacco Free sports to the youth in Prince George. This season #8 Brett Connolly, and #26 Parker Stanfield were the representatives of the program.

Jeux de Commerce Social Competition (Jan 16)- The Cougars and Kellogg's hosted the Social Competitors of the JDC West Business Competition at the game on Jan 16. Over forty students from 10 western universities took to the ice during an intermission with the University of Lethbridge triumphing.

Night of Hope Game (Nov 21)- The Cougars hosted various non-profit organizations on November 21st to support those groups in promotion and fundraising efforts. Thank you to all the non-profit organizations that participated:

Aimhi, Alzheimers Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George, Canadian Diabetes Association, Child Development Centre, The Exploration Place, Kinsmen Club of Prince George, Parent Support Services, Prince George Hospice Society, Prince George Special Olympics, Positive Living North, UNBC First Nations Centre and Volunteer Prince George.

Minor Hockey Night (Jan 15)- The Cougars invited minor sports and hockey teams to be their guests of honor as they battled the Vancouver Giants on Friday, January 15th. Scotiabank Blue Thunder brought the most people to that game; the Cougars' Captains joined them for a 6am practice on Sunday, February 14th to run drills and get to know the team.

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 250-562-2225 for more information.

Pink Power Play game- On Saturday, October 3rd, the Prince George Cougars teamed up with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for a Cure and 101.3 The River for our Pink Power Play game to focus attention on Breast Cancer Awareness month. The game lead up to the CBCF CIBC Run for a Cure on Sunday, October 4th. The Pink Power Play game featured Cougars players donning pink skate laces, stick and sock tape as well as a merchandise table to raise further donations for the CBCF. The entire Prince George Cougars team, along with Coaches and some staff attended the Run on October 4th.  

Prince George Hospice Society's Halloween Spooktacular- Cougars attended the Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, October 25th at Columbus Community Centre. The Cougars joined their young fans for some bean bag toss and judged the costume and pumpkin carving contests.

Pucks for Bucks: Non-profit groups and charities in Prince George have the opportunity to purchase tickets for $10.00 and sell them. All profits raised will go directly to the group’s fundraising initiatives.

Pucks and Paeds- The Cougars hold regular visits to the Paediatrics Unit of PGRH.

Salvation Army Food Drive (Jan 16)- The Cougars and Kellogg's teamed up with the Salvation Army to encourage Cougars fans to bring non-perishable food items for the food bank. Fans donated Kellogg's Cereal in a Cup (handed out at the doors) along with other items. Two bins of food were collected.

SPCA Drive- The Cougars love animals too! Every year the Cougars team up with the SPCA to collect pet food and supplies to benefit local animals.

St. Mary’s School "Random Acts of Kindness"- Tickets are donated to students who demonstrate acts of kindness at school.

Teddy Bear & ToqueToss- On December 19th, as the Cougars took on the Kamloops Blazers, the team held the annual Teddy Bear Toss to collect teddy bears and toques for The Salvation Army and Victim Services Unit.

Yellowhead Rotary Food and Clothing Drive (Nov 28)- Part of the Christmas Campaign in 2009/2010, the Rotary Club collected food and clothing to benefit local families.

Youth Jump on Board Initiative (TBA)- More info to follow...