OLIVER PAIPOONGE – The expansion Kam River Fighting Walleye aren’t afraid to put their money where their mouth is.
The Superior International Junior Hockey League team’s officials said when the club was announced they planned to be heavily involved in the community and on Friday, they delivered, promising to hold a Fishin’ For Dollars 50/50 draw, with a portion of the proceeds going to Toys for Tots.
“The Fighting Walleye are pleased to partner with such a worthwhile cause. We have been a supporter of Toys for Tots since our start back in the LJHL, and we usually host a game in support of the cause, but in this unique year we have had to become a bit more creative,” saud Walleye president Derek Geddes, in a release issued on Friday morning.
“This is a great way to help support an important charity and have an opportunity to win a minimum of $1,000 jackpot on Dec. 6.”
In a year of uncertainty, every little bit helps, said Paul Penna, chair of the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Toys for Tots initiative.
“We have had a relationship with the Walleye for a few years now. These are uncertain times and there are children in this community that need our help more than ever before! Toys For Tots has a long history of giving, this is our most important year ever, and we are thankful for the support and partnership of the Kam River Fighting Walleye,” Penna said.
The proceeds of the Walleye's 50/50 draw will no doubt go a long way towards making Christmas wishes come true for several less fortunate children in our community.
Geddes said he hopes the community gets behind the draw to make the donation as large as possible, adding they plan to support a different organization each month with their 50/50 draw, which is presented by BDO.
It is an important mandate for Dorsal Fin Entertainment Group to give back to the community that supports our team. Whether it’s through initiatives like this, or with our players and staff giving back to our community through volunteering, it is a big part of who we are,” Geddes said.
Tickets are available online at fightingwalleye.goplay5050.com or by phoning 630-8797.
This year's Toys for Tots campaign will launch on Nov. 27. Volunteer firefighters will be taking donations at their Christmas display near the food court.
