The ’Cats Community Initiatives
The Prince George Cougars participated in nearly 460 hours of player appearances during the 2008/2009 season supporting non-profit organizations, sponsor businesses and elementary schools. Of those visits over 70 hours were spent in local schools encouraging literacy among elementary students in 31 classrooms.
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.
BCSPCA Paws for a Cause...Walk for the Animals- As Gold Sponsors this season, the Cougars supported their furry friends during the annual Paws for a Cause...Walk for the Animals. The entire Cougars team and coaching staff were present at the event to award season tickets to lucky participants in various categories.
Breakaway for Books- This season Scotiabank and the Prince George Cougars have partnered to promote literacy in Prince George schools. Cougars players visited 31 elementary classes throughout the year to discuss the importance of reading, goal-setting and sportsmanship. Each classroom received bookmarks and a Brady Brady book courtesy of Scotiabanks’ generous support. Students who met reading goals set by their classroom teacher received tickets to a Cougars game.
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 Blood Services’ 11th Annual Interior Drive for Life- The Cougars defeated their rivals, the Kelowna Rockets, in a battle to see which community could donate the most blood during this ten week-long challenge to raise awareness about the need for blood donations in our community. The Cougars attended the kick-off event at Canadian Blood Services on Wednesday, September 24th, where our local unit exceeded their blood donation goal, receiving 133% of the expected number of donations.
Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Cougars Halloween Dress Up/Fright Lite Night- The Prince George Cougars are proud to support the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, who attended the Wednesday, October 29th game to provide information about Cystic Fibrosis and sell Fright Lites to raise funds for research. 100% of the proceeds raised from the "lites" sales go towards supporting Cystic Fibrosis research.
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@pgcougars.com.
Chillin’ for Charity Family Brunch- The Cougars joined Spirit of the North Foundation supporters at the Civic Centre on Sunday, November 23rd.
Christmas Toy Drive- 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 have teamed up to disperse tickets to individuals and groups in Northern BC who are making a difference in their community. So far this season the Prince George Regional Hospital Paediatrics Unit, CBCF CIBC Run for a Cure, Northern Health, the Canadian Cancer Society and Operation Red Nose have been recipients courtesy of CN’s generous support.
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 Brunch with the Cougars, the Cougars and Prince George Citizen "Meet the Pack" ball hockey game, Skate with the Cougars, Fan Bus 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- The Cougars supported The Salvation Army’s new thrift store during its first ever ’Clean Out the Closet’ Game on Saturday, February 21st. Over 50 garbage bags full of gently used clothing were collected from fans attending the game.
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 an upcoming Cougars game, please send your request in writing to amye@pgcougars.com. Organizations supported through the Cougars Community Corner this season included:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George, Canadian Blood Services, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Carrier Sekani Familiy Services, Le Cercle des Canadiens-francais, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Huble Homestead, Operation Red Nose, PGNAETA, Prince George Community Policing, Prince George Minor Hockey Association, Rotary Yellowhead of Prince George, The Salvation Army, SPCA, Two Rivers Gallery, UNBC Medieval Club and Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers.
Cougars Day at the Farmer’s Market- The Cougars supported local farmers and downtown Prince George during Cougar’s Day at the Farmer’s Market where players and coaches were on site to visit their fantastic fans!
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.
Family Day with the Cougars- On Tuesday, November 11th the Prince George Cougars hosted Family Day as they took on the Red Deer Rebels. After the game Cougars fans had the chance to skate with the team. Family Day was proudly brought to Cougars fans again this year by 99.3 The Drive, 101.3 The River, CKPG TV, CN Centre, and Ticketmaster.
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. This season #19 Dana Tyrell, and #26 Parker Stanfield will visit Minor Hockey practises and local schools to discuss why they’ve chosen to be tobacco free.
Minor Sports Night- The Cougars invited all Minor sports and hockey teams to be their guests of honor on January 16th at the game versus the Kelowna Rockets. The team that brings the most people to the game, Beekman Printing, received a visit from players Cameron Cepek, Bruin McDonald, Kevin Armstrong and Joe Caligiuri.
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.
Pink Power Play game- On Friday, October 3rd, the Prince George Cougars teamed up with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for a Cure for our Pink Power Play game to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness month. The game lead up to the CBCF CIBC Run for a Cure on Sunday, October 5th. The Pink Power Play featured Cougars players donning pink skate laces, stick and sock tape as well as a silent auction where game-worn third jerseys were available for bidding with profits to benefit CBCF CIBC Run for a Cure.
Pucks for Bucks: Non-profit groups and charities in Prince George will now 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. Each month, 1 patient is selected as the Cougars "Super Fan" and receives game tickets, personal time with players and a dressing room tour.
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 17th, as the Cougars faced off against Kamloops, the team held their annual Teddy Bear Toss to collect teddy bears and toques for The Salvation Army and Victim Services Unit.
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.
Yellowhead Rotary Food and Clothing Drive- Fans supported Rotary and The Salvation Army by bringing coats for kids to the November 30th game and non-perishable food items to our December 6th game to benefit less fortunate individuals throughout the Holiday Season.
Youth Jump on Board Initiative- The Prince George Cougars have partnered with The Native Courtworker & Counseling Assocation of BC, the Crisis Centre of Prince George, and Jump on Board Youth Employment Services to support youth in Prince George who have encountered employment barriers. The program sees tickets to Cougars games dispersed to youth along with information from the partner organizations.
