Sarnia Sting host Kitchener Rangers Sunday Dec, 3. Photo by Metcalfe Photography.Sarnia Sting host Kitchener Rangers Sunday Dec, 3. Photo by Metcalfe Photography.
Sarnia

Annual Sting tradition brings Christmas cheer to thousands

It's a special fundraiser that many look forward to all year round.

The Sarnia Sting's annual Teddy Bear Toss, co-sponsored by Finch Ford Lincoln, is set for Sunday, December 1 when the OHL club hosts the Saginaw Spirit.

When the Sting score their first goal, fans will throw their donations onto the ice, which will support area children in need this holiday season.

Finch Ford Lincoln Managing Partner Mark Guy is excited.

"It's the most fun event of the year certainly for us as a dealership to be involved in, and to be involved with the Sting and the community is great," said Guy. "The best thing for me is just seeing the kids' faces when they get to throw the teddy bears onto the ice, and then knowing that they're giving something back to the community and providing something for the kids that may not otherwise have a gift on Christmas morning."

Guy said it's always a coveted goal.

"The players definitely have a little battle internally to see who is going to get that goal," he said. "Lukas Fischer, the captain of the team, was actually at our dealership last week. He's injured right now but he's hoping to get back in and get his name on that plaque."

Guy said PetSmart is involved once again this year.

"At their stores they're actually taking donations and providing teddy bears to our dealership so that we can donate them," said Guy. "Thousands of bears have come from PetSmart over the past few years."

Last year, 4,128 stuffed toys were collected but it wasn't without a bit of controversy.

Andrew LeBlanc was stopped by Kitchener's goalie, but the red light went on and the bears hit the ice.

Sasha Pastujov scored the Teddy Bear Toss goal in 2022, and other notable names to score the special goal include Nolan Burke, Sean Josling, Jamieson Rees, Steven Stamkos and Anthony DeAngelo.

Those who aren't able to attend the game can make a donation at Finch Ford Lincoln in Sarnia.

The annual toy drive has brought in about 85,000 stuffed toys since its inception in 1998.

The toys will be distributed to about 20 local charities including the Salvation Army, Noelle's Gift and the Inn of the Good Shepherd.

Sunday's game kicks off at 2 p.m. at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.

You can hear all of the action live on 103.9FM and 1070AM CHOK.

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