There will be no shortage of bears in Clare Drake Arena this weekend, as Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics will host their second-annual Teddy Bear Toss Event. It will be a double teddy bear toss weekend, as both the Pandas game on Friday night (December 5) as well as the Golden Bears game on Saturday (December 6) against MacEwan will feature plush animals thrown onto the ice.

All fans and UofA students are encouraged to bring teddy bears or stuffed animals to the rink over the weekend, with all stuffed animals being donated to the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre. 

"We recognize that every child that celebrates the holidays deserves to wake up with a present underneath the tree," said Molly Stetsko, President of the University Athletics Board and a member of the Pandas Rugby team. "We would like to do our part in making that happen for kids in our community."

The return of this event was made possible thanks to financial support from the Golden Bears Hockey Alumni Association. 

The Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre —  located just north of Commonwealth Stadium — is a non-profit that empowers vulnerable families in Edmonton through programs that support child development, family well-being, and connection to community. Norwood Centre has been a gathering place for Edmonton families for more than 60 years, where they work with children, caregivers, and other family members to support optimal child development, strengthen healthy relationships and well-being, break cycles of adversity, and empower people to successfully navigate change and life challenges. 

Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals in good condition, and place each animal in a plastic bag before tossing it on the ice (bags will be available on game day). Stuffed bears will also be available in the rink for $10. When the Pandas or Golden Bears score their first goal, send those stuffed animals over the glass! 
 

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