By Bo Ford
It is that time of year again. Where you can’t turn
on your television without seeing some sort of talk about the NHL playoffs.
With the playoffs in session the Heart and Stroke
Foundation has launched the Beard-a-thon fundraiser for the second year in a row.
During the playoffs players are known to grow out
their facial hair as long as their team stays in the playoffs. Last season the
NHLPA joined with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to have people pledge money
for players from the league or people from around Canada to grow a beard during
the playoffs, with all the money going towards the foundation.
That’s right, you yourself can help the Heart and
Stroke Foundation raise money, you can choose to grow a beard and receive
pledges, pledge money to a friend or family member, or even pledge money to one
of your favorite NHL players.
This year the Heart and Stroke Foundation of P.E.I.
is calling on Islanders to throw away their razors and grow a beard in support
of the Heart and Stroke Foundation in the cause.
Last year over $200, 000 dollars was raised with
2,037 beard growers receiving pledges of at least $25. Scott Hartnell of the
Philadelphia Flyers has sent out a challenge to all Canadians to toss aside
their razors and grow a playoff beard better then him. Last year Hartnell
raised over $12,000 and was the leader among all Canadians.
Sharon Hollingsworth, Communications manager with the
Heart and Stroke Foundation on P.E.I said the idea came from the annual
Movemeber contest which supports prostate cancer.
“We want our volunteers, stake holders and supporters
to grow a beard, or go online to make pledges,” said Hollingsworth.
Islanders looking for an NHL players to pledge for
include players such as former P.E.I Rocket defenseman now Vancouver Canuck
Marc-Andre Gragnani and teammate and another Rocket player Maxime Lapierre.
For people who choose to
grow a beard for pledges, there will be prizes given out. For raising $25 you
will be entered in a chance to win a signed jersey, raise over $1000 and be
entered to win a grand prize trip to watch a NHLPA member play in a game next
season.
For people interested in supporting this cause you
can check out the website at www.beardathon.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment