Every December the Bulldogs hold a TOY TOSS in the Dog Pound. When the Dogs score their first goal of the game the fans are allowed to throw stuffed toys on the ice. All the stuffed toys are given to various charities like the Salvation Army, Big Brothers and Big Sisters to name a few. These stuffed toys are distributed by the charities to needy families and many end up as Christmas gifts from Santa for the children that may otherwise not have any presents under the tree. The players also take some stuffed toys to the kids in McMaster Children’s Hospital.

The GROWL is proud to participate with the Bulldogs in this fundraiser. GROWL members sell the stuffed dogs (usually bulldogs) before the game to the fans in attendance. If fans forget to bring a stuffed toy or want to add to their donation then they can buy a stuffed dog from the GROWL at a great price – 1 for $3.00 or 2 for $5.00. It’s a sellout every year! In addition the profit from the sale of the stuffed dogs is donated to one of the designated charities of the night.

In December 2007 Santa, his helpers and Bruiser collected over 2000 stuffed toys off the ice and set a new record. Hopefully we will top that record in 2008.

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All Photos supplied Courtesy of Art Ward.
For more info on Art Ward's work please see his website A Work of Art.