’Dogs do their part
Jerseys to be auctioned for Autism Awareness...
Niagara IceDogs will be giving the shirts off their backs to help children with autism when they play the Ottawa ’67s on Saturday night.
The ’Dogs will be wearing jerseys bearing autism awareness logos on them, when they hit the ice at the Meridian Centre at 7 p.m., in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.
The game will begin with a puckdrop by a family affected by the neurological disorder. And as the game comes to an end, the local hockey team will literally give away the shirts off their backs, to be auctioned off by Luke Pasmore from Luke’s Auctions.
Since the IceDogs paid for the shirts and Pasmore is volunteering his time, 100 per cent of the proceeds will benefit the local chapter of Autism Ontario. Bids start at $200 each. Remaining jerseys will be auctioned off online, through the CHL Auction website beginning from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.
Niagara IceDogs owner Bill Burke said the initiative was an opportunity to raise awareness about autism, and raise funds at the same time.
“Over the years Denise (his wife) and I have met season ticket holders and fans who are on the autism spectrum,” Burke said in a prepared statement.
“We thought it would be a perfect opportunity to bring awareness to autism through an IceDogs game and at the same time raise some much needed funds for services that reach children in the Niagara Region.”
Fran Chesney, manager of the local Autism Ontario chapter, called the IceDogs “incredible ambassadors for our cause.”
“They are champions in every sense of the word on and off the ice. Thank you for showcasing the important work of Autism Ontario and your support of our programs serving an estimated 5,000 Niagara families affected by ASD,” she said. “Thank you IceDogs for helping Niagara Region Chapter inspire potential and change lives.”
Tickets for the game are still available.