THUNDER BAY - Local Stanley Cup champion, Matt Murray, along with some of his teammates on the Pittsburgh Penguins, want the people of Thunder Bay to buy a puck and save a paw.
Murray and his girlfriend, Christina Sirignano, are partnering with the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society to auction off five signed hockey pucks.
The pucks have been signed by Murray, as well as teammates Ian Cole, Bryan Rust, Carl Hagelin, and Olli Maatta. Bidding for the pucks starts at $100 and some have already gone as high as $200.
Cassandra Nordal, executive director with the Humane Society, said the idea came about after discussions with Sirignano.
“A few months ago, when the whole Longlac case took place, this is something her and I have been talking about for a while and her and Matt made this happen and we are just really excited about it,” she said.
The auction ends on Sunday, July 23 at 6 p.m. All the proceeds will go toward the most recent animal rescue of 41 cats from a Thunder Bay apartment complex.
“We have extremely high vet bills with them and we have to get them all spayed and neutered in time,” Nordal said. “All proceeds will go toward that.”
Murray has lent a helping hand to the Humane Society in the past, donating a hockey stick for a charity auction. Murray has also set the example for local youth, such as Gavin Currie, who is also raising money for the local shelter.
“For me personally, and I think I can speak for myself and the board of directors and our amazing staff here, it means the world,” Nordal said. “It’s someone who you would never think who would be as selfless as he is. And it’s not just him, but it’s his girlfriend Christina as well. They have gone above and beyond for us.”
“It’s stuff like that that goes a long way and we do really appreciate everything that they do,” Nordal continued. “It just shows you how selfless two individuals can really be and how kind they can be. We are honoured and privileged that they have done this for us.”
A link to the auction for the signed pucks can be found on the Thunder Bay District Humane Society Facebook page.
