RE/MAX, WHL back with Don Cherry on organ donation promotion . . . WHL has 17 Canadian teams involved

A tip of the Taking Note chapeau to the WHL and RE/MAX of Western Canada for their decision to once again show such terrific support for the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

For a third straight season, they are backing the promotion that they call — take a deep breath — RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation.”

To date, the promotion has raised more than $460,000 for the Kidney Foundation.

From a news release:

“From January to March 2020, all 17 WHL (teams) in Canadian markets will host a theme game complete with special-edition Hockey Night in Canada-themed sweaters, crested with the fan-favourite powder-blue logo that represented Hockey Night in Canada until 1998. Representing a picture long stamped in the memories of Canadians, this (season’s) collectible bobblehead welcomes Cherry alongside his affable Hockey Night in Canada co-host Ron MacLean, wearing his signature powder-blue Hockey Night in Canada blazer. . . .

“Fans will have a chance to get their hands on the limited-edition Hockey Night in Canada-themed WHL sweaters through local auctions with (each team). The Kidney Foundation of Canada will again be the benefactor, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards local chapters of the foundation. In addition to game-worn uniforms, fans will have the chance to bid on a Don Cherry-autographed theme jersey in each participating WHL market.”

If you are wondering why Cherry is involved in this promotion — and has been since Day 1 — it’s because his daughter, Cindy, gave a kidney to her brother, Tim, more than 40 years ago.

Representatives of the Kidney Foundation will be on hand at each of the 17 games to answer questions and provide information regarding organ donation. If you are interested in registering as a donor, there is more info at CanadaDonates.ca.

Here is the WHL’s schedule of organ donor awareness games:

Friday, Jan. 17 — Edmonton Oil Kings

Friday, Jan. 24 — Regina Pats

Saturday, Jan. 25 — Prince Albert Raiders

Friday, Jan. — Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince George Cougars, Red Deer Rebels

Friday, Feb. 7 — Brandon Wheat Kings

Saturday, Feb. 8 — Vancouver Giants

Friday, Feb. 21 — Lethbridge Hurricanes

Saturday, Feb. 29 — Swift Current Broncos

Friday, March 6 — Kamloops Blazers, Saskatoon Blades

Saturday, March 7 — Medicine Hat Tigers, Winnipeg Ice

Friday, March 13 — Victoria Royals