‘Twas the day before the start of the Calgary Hitmen 2020 Teddy Bear Collection. The three-day safe, socially distanced curbside drop off happens this weekend beginning with Sneak Peek Friday on December 4th.

To date there is demand for 18,000 small or medium sized bears that will be shared among more than 40 local charitable organizations.

Tomorrow’s sneak peek from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. is the first look at ‘Teddy Bear Lane’ which will be set up all weekend. Socially distanced vehicles are invited to proceed to the Fifth Street SE traffic loop entrance of Scotiabank Saddledome while listening to Christmas music on Hitmen radio FM 94.3. At the top of the holiday decorated loop occupants, from the cozy confines of their vehicle, will be permitted to gift their bears to one of Santa’s elves to toss into an inflatable outdoor rink.

Also happening Friday, in conjunction with ‘Teddy Bear Lane’, is the launch of the Calgary Flames Alumni Toy Drive where fans can drop off an unwrapped gift. All donations will then be wrapped and sorted into hampers to help make this Christmas a special one for deserving families in the city.

As a Friday added bonus, anyone who donates to the Teddy Bear Collection or Calgary Flames Alumni Toy Drive will receive a FREE Scotiabank Saddledome ice cream malt courtesy of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation Concessions.

In an effort to optimize fan experience and manage traffic flow, fans are encouraged to visit the Teddy Bear Lane Booking Form to select a time slot to drop off their bears. This request will help ensure the Teddy Bear Collection process is as quick and enjoyable as possible.

‘Teddy Bear Lane’ will include a Christmas lights display, video screen, decorated trees and even a visit from Santa along with holiday displays from Siksika Nation, Flames Sports Bank, Calgary Zoo and other community partners.

For fans who cannot attend in person, there is a trio of other options to support this great cause;

Purchase a Calgary Zoo panda bear online starting at $15 plus fees and GST. The Hitmen will donate those stuffed animals on your behalf with net proceeds to benefit the Calgary Zoo and Calgary Hitmen Foundations. Teddy bears can also be dropped off at the zoo.
Drop your bear off at any Calgary area Toys”R”Us location.
Schedule a December 5th or 6th bear pickup service from your home thanks to KidSport Calgary at Teddy Bear Pick Up Form.

Charitable organizations to set receive the stuffed toys include; The Salvation Army, Calgary Food Bank, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Cerebral Palsy Alberta, Cochrane and area Event Society, Wood’s Homes, Horizon Housing Society and Make-A-Wish Southern Alberta.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, all bears collected will go through a rigorous screening process and then quarantine before ultimately being gifted to the agencies on Thursday, December 10th.

Teddy Bear Collection Schedule

Sneak Peek Friday, December 4
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Teddy Bear Lane Light Show)

Saturday, December 5
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Regular drop off hours)
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Teddy Bear Lane Light Show)

Sunday, December 6
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Regular drop off hours)
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Teddy Bear Lane Light Show)

*Note: Event will be reflective of the current COVID guidelines.