Kelowna, B.C. & Calgary, Alta. – RE/MAX is proud to partner with the Western Hockey League to present the second season of “RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation” – a series of events across WHL markets to promote the importance of organ donation and to generate further support of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Beginning Saturday, January 19 through March 2019, all 17 WHL Clubs in Canadian markets will play host to their very own themed games, complete with a variety of special promotions for fans in attendance. Each game, a total of 1,000 limited second edition Don Cherry bobbleheads will be distributed to fans in attendance, along with 1,000 plaid RE/MAX drink koozies shaped like a house. Fans in attendance will also have a photo opportunity with a life size Don Cherry cut out.
On the ice, WHL Clubs will sport their own unique and specially-designed Don Cherry-themed uniforms on a designated game night. This year, players will sport uniforms emblazoned with fun nicknames as opposed to traditional surnames across their shoulders. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on the limited-edition jerseys, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to local chapters of the Kidney Foundation of Canada. In addition to game-worn uniforms, fans will have the chance to bid on one Don Cherry-autographed jersey in each participating WHL market.
During the 2017-18 WHL Regular Season, participating WHL Clubs came together with RE/MAX to raise over $265,500, representing the largest public awareness and fundraising campaign in the history of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
“The WHL and our Western Canada-based Clubs are once again this season very excited to be working with our corporate partner RE/MAX of Western Canada to further promote the importance of organ donation and to raise additional funds for the Kidney Foundation of Canada,” stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Thanks to the ongoing involvement of hockey legend Don Cherry, his family, and the success we experienced last season, we are confident our fans will jump on board and support this very important cause.”
“On behalf of all RE/MAX associates in Western Canada, we’re super stoked to be partnering with Don Cherry again this year for this fantastic night of hockey fun and fundraising for the terrific cause, The Kidney Foundation of Canada,” said Elaine Langhout of RE/MAX Western Canada. “My family was affected by kidney disease so it’s a cause close to my heart. We encourage fans to come out and support the night when it comes to their town!”
“Thanks to RE/MAX, the WHL and all its fans, the number of transplants last year increased by 13 per cent,” said Don Cherry. “Let’s keep this momentum going by signing your donor card and talking to your family. It only makes sense.”
The Kidney Foundation is a cause close to the Cherry family. Don’s son, Tim, received a kidney transplant from his sister Cindy. With close to 4,500 Canadians awaiting organ donation today – 76 per cent whom require a kidney – the Cherry family, RE/MAX and the WHL have come together to create this awareness campaign in support of the Kidney Foundation; who will have a booth at each game to field questions and hand out donation information.
RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation schedule:
- Saturday, January 19 – Edmonton Oil Kings
- Friday, January 25 – Red Deer Rebels
- Friday, February 1 – Kamloops Blazers, Moose Jaw Warriors
- Saturday, February 2 – Prince Albert Raiders
- Friday, February 15 – Regina Pats, Vancouver Giants
- Saturday, February 16 – Brandon Wheat Kings
- Friday, February 22 – Lethbridge Hurricanes, Swift Current Broncos
- Friday, March 1 – Kootenay ICE
- Saturday, March 2 – Victoria Royals
- Sunday, March 3 – Calgary Hitmen
- Friday, March 8 – Prince George Cougars
- Saturday, March 9 – Kelowna Rockets, Medicine Hat Tigers, Saskatoon Blades
To receive more information on this promotion or to sign up to be a donor visit CanadaDonates.ca for more details.
About RE/MAX of Western Canada
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Over 115,000 agents provide RE/MAX a global reach of more than 100 countries and territories. RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with more than 21,000 Sales Associates and over 922 independently-owned and operated offices nationwide. RE/MAX, LLC, one of the world’s leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RMAX). With a passion for the communities in which its agents live and work, RE/MAX is proud to have raised more than $150 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. For more information about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.ca.
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 350 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.
About The Kidney Foundation
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a national volunteer organization committed to improving outcomes of people with kidney disease. Since 1964, The Kidney Foundation of Canada has contributed over $115 million to medical research projects to ensure that treatment options and patient results continuously improve.
For further information, please contact:
Taylor Rocca
Senior Manager, Communications
Western Hockey League
roccat@whl.ca
Kayley Jackson
Coordinator, Communications
RE/MAX of Western Canada
kayleyj@remax.ca
