News Releases

Atlantic Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DORCHESTER, NB, January 20, 2006 - Once a year, Moncton Wildcats fans get to enjoy a warm and cuddly tradition. They get to throw teddy bears on the ice.

In an event sponsored by Blue Cross, fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to the Moncton Coliseum and immediately throw them after the Wildcats score their first goal. Within seconds the ice is covered with all manner and sorts of bears, on average about 2,000 of them!

This Saturday, January 21, more than 400 more teddy bears will be added to the pile courtesy of some inmates at Dorchester Penitentiary.

"One of the Correctional Service of Canada staff came to ask for a few extra teddy bears, about two or three," says Gary Jonah, the long-time head of the Basic Skills Shop at the pen. "Well, I just happened to have about 450 and told him 'I can round up some more,' " says Jonah with a laugh.

With one phone call, the Wildcats bought in.

"We thought it was wonderful. We're all for it," says Jeanne Watson, public relations director for the hockey team. "After they're picked up, the team and staff go to the Dr. Georges Dumont and Moncton City hospitals and distribute the bears to children. We leave the balance with them to give them away later," she says.

Jonah says the event is "a tremendous opportunity" for the 16 inmates who work in the shop.

The donated bears come to the shop, new or old, clean and dirty, well stitched and not.

"Some have never been out of a box. Others need stitching and washing or refurbishing. We restore them and put them in plastic bags to keep them clean and by the end of November we give them to various organizations or food banks for their Christmas projects," he says.

Jonah says it's just one more way to foster better relations with people who live in all the communities around Dorchester. "For the last 15 years, our Toy Project has fixed, repaired and made new more than 125,000 toys, about a third of them teddy bears, to give away to people within a 50 to 60 miles radius," he says.

"It's important for people to realize that there are guys inside trying to make amends for what happened in their past. It's their way of showing empathy and indirectly third parties see the result."

Since the Wildcats have pretty enthusiastic fans, Jonah says giving away the bears was a no-brainer. "It's a good deal for everyone."

Watson agrees. "This is pretty generous on their behalf."

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