This story was previously posted on StratfordToday.ca.
The Stratford Fighting Irish are at it again.
If you have plans on going to the Irish’s season opener October 5 when they host the Elora Rocks, make sure you bring your used hockey equipment with you to the Allman Arena. Club and Western Ontario Super Hockey League President Jamie Petrie said they’re collecting used hockey gear to donate to kids in the local Rotary Hockey league who need a boost.
“The idea for this came from the Armchair Chirpers, and it goes perfectly with how we want to give back to the community,” Petrie said. “It really was a no-brainer for us.”
All equipment donated is headed straight to the Rotary league, and Petrie said players from the Irish roster have already been bringing in donations for the cause. There is a need for all kinds of equipment – sticks, helmets, skates, padding. The only thing they don’t want is underwear (gently used or otherwise).
“Rotary told us they need everything, and hockey is the most expensive sport to outfit your child for so we want to make sure we’re helping out,” he said. “These donations have started to add up really quickly.”
While this effort is aimed at the younger players in the Rotary league, Petrie said they’re accepting donations for gear for all age ranges.
“We want it all,” he said. “No equipment that gets donated will go unused.”
He added a request for anyone planning on bringing gear for the cause: only bring it with you to the home opener.
“Everyone who brings a donation to our October 5 game will get a free raffle ticket for a chance to win an Armchair Chirpers/Fighting Irish prize pack,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone there.”
