Not the least of which was just how well it would all work without a game being played to facilitate the actual ‘toss’ portion of the annual mass donation.
But in the end, the answers proved nothing but positive — and the Salvation Army will once again be able to help a few more youngsters in the city have a toy or two under the tree.
Fans and supporters of the team donated hundreds of stuffed animals and toys in general during the event, which featured a drop off point at Mosaic Place on Monday and at sponsor Murray GM on Tuesday.
All told, the Warriors pick-up truck was filled to the brim, needing a large panel truck to help handle the overflow.
“I think it went really well,” said Warriors director of hockey administration James Gallo. “In the situation we’re in right now, it’s unfortunate we aren’t able to host a Teddy Bear Toss game like we have in the past, but the community did an amazing job.”
Normally, the way the Toss would work would see fans bring a new and unwrapped stuffed animal or toque and mittens to an early December game, and when the Warriors score their first goal, the toys are thrown over the glass and onto the ice.
Warriors captain Owen Hardy did the honours last season against the Prince Albert Raiders.
Gallo pointed out that with the WHL season on hold, this year’s modified event was put together on short notice and wouldn’t have come together as smoothly without the support of Murray GM and the Salvation Army.
“Charles (Vanden Broek) and the guys over there did a great job supporting this idea and helping us out over two days,” Gallo said. “This is going to put some smiles on children’s faces and that’s the biggest thing. There’s a lot of challenges right now for everybody and Moose Jaw and area did an absolutely spectacular job coming in and helping out the Teddy Bear and Toy Toss this year under these circumstances.
“As an organization, we’re extremely proud of the way that the community came out. As everyone knows, the smile on a child’s face this year is pretty special and to be able to help out is pretty key.”
Making the toy haul even more impressive was how even in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community was still more than happy to do their part to make Christmas brighter for many, many families.
“It’s one of those things where there’s a lot going on and we’ve been through a lot the last seven, eight, nine months,” Gallo said. “At this time of year to see this kind of support is really amazing. This community has always done a great job supporting the Teddy Bear Toss and other initiatives to give back to the community.
“Even in challenging times, they still came out, and that’s what makes Moose Jaw special and the surrounding area special… Putting a toy or a teddy bear in the back of a truck is something that can end up putting a smile on a lot of people’s faces and it’s awesome to see and we thank everyone who was involved and who offered their support.”
