Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Warming The Cockles


Santa likely has sealed his naughty or nice list - after all, with elf labour, he probably had to start making presents months ago - but that has not stopped the NHL from going out of their way this holiday season to do some great things.

The Rangers, as always, held their Holiday Toy Drive last week for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys For Tots program and held a children's coat drive over several home games (which yours truly is proud to say he contributed to). I would love to show pictures of either but the Rangers have been quite slow to update their redesigned website.

But, whatever, as great as toy and coat drives are, my personal favourites are when teams across the league stop by children's hospitals. The Ottawa Senators visited the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario this week and the Detroit Red Wings stopped by the Children's Hospital of Michigan a few weeks back.

The NHL announced today that players throughout the league will be handing out Hockey Fights Cancer themed blankets at various children's hospitals. Its saddening that the Rangers are the only team yet to commit to any dates or locations but I am sure that will change soon -- if only its to keep up with the evil Isles. As much as I loathe them, its nice to see that the lesser New York team is splitting up and stopping by six different Long Island sites so more children can share in the joy (they are young, they don't know any better).

So here is where I get preachy; as you are out and about shopping, make sure to drop some change for the Salvation Army or something like that. And if you are shopping online, you can help out by buying Hockey Fights Cancer stuff or just by supporting your favourite charity.

Happy Holidays.

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