Calgary Hitmen keep annual Teddy Bear Toss going with physically-distanced donation 'lane'
Fans can toss teddy bears from their cars while watching past highlights on a big screen
Hockey fans will not have to give up the December tradition of the Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss this year — but it just might look a little different.
Instead of teddy bears raining down from the stands after the team scores its first goal, fans can toss them from the safety of their cars while watching past highlights on a big screen.
The Hitmen have set up Teddy Bear Lane this weekend down at the Saddledome to collect teddy bears for charities around the city.
A few hours into the event on Friday, Rob Kerr, assistant manager of business operations with the Hitmen, said it was already looking good for a big teddy haul for charity.
"It's humming," Kerr told The Homestretch. "I mean it's great, we've had lots of vehicles going through … lots of smiles, lots of kids, lots of fun."
This year, the event is set up on the north side of the Scotiabank Saddledome, which is lit up with holiday lights.
Fans can arrive in their vehicles, proceeding to the Fifth Street S.E. traffic loop entrance to the Saddledome. The bears will be collected in an inflatable outdoor rink.
Fans are asked to sign up ahead of time on a booking form to cut down on traffic jams at the drop site.
Kerr said it may be a little less crowded in the early afternoons rather than the evening.
"The afternoon is probably going to be a little slower than the evening, but we encourage as many people to come down," Kerr said.
"The need is great. We're looking for 20,000 bears for [more than 40] agencies this year. So every bear helps."
Kerr said the organization has tried to make the atmosphere as festive as possible.
"You know, it's so much fun, and the smiles and everything. This is what it's all about," he said.
Kerr said if you can't make it down to the lane this weekend, there are other ways to participate.
Fans can go online to purchase a Calgary Zoo panda bear or drop off a bear at the zoo, or at any Calgary-area Toys "R" Us location.
If you can't get out at all, you can schedule a bear pickup thanks to KidSport Calgary on Dec. 5 or 6.