Rangers announce changes to Don Cameron potato fundraiser
Don Cameron Potato Night has been a community tradition for 26 years, but it’s about to see its biggest change yet at this Sunday’s game.
Every year fans are asked to bring a bag of potatoes to a Kitchener Rangers match. The spuds, along with cash donations, are then given to the House of Friendship.
According to the Rangers organization, the equivalent of half-a-million pounds of potatoes have been donated over the last 26 years.
On Tuesday, the Rangers announced a significant change to the fundraiser – potatoes will no longer be collected at the game.
“Fans in #RTown have grown fond of the Potato Night tradition over the years,” they explained in a media release. “However, over the last number of seasons there has been a declining need for potatoes to be donated to community groups and an increasing need for monetary donations and food drives collecting non-perishable goods.”
The organization said they will continue to honour Cameron’s legacy by hosting charitable games in his name to support the House of Friendship and local food banks. They will also “continue to do our part to help the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in our community.”
The charitable game will be held Sunday when the Rangers host the Kingston Frontenacs at the Aud. Members of the winning 1981-1982 Memorial Cup team will also be attendance.
History behind Potato Night
The event is a tribute to Don Cameron, who was the play-by-play announcer for more than 4,000 games throughout his 10-year career. He was also a sportscaster at CTV Kitchener for 19 years.
"He was so special to us," said Rangers COO Joe Birch. "I think not only was the [fundraiser] doing such amazing work within the community, but it was also a way to remember Don and his heritage and where he was from."
From CTV Kitchener: Don Cameron’s family thanks the community for their out pouring of love and support after his passing.
Potato Night was inspired by Cameron’s home province of Prince Edward Island and his desire to support local families in need.
Cameron retired as the play-by-play announcer for the Rangers in 2015 but he still made occasional appearances in the booth.
"He was a leader, he was a pioneer, he was legendary, and I think Don would still support something that reflects what's needed in Waterloo Region," explained Birch. "So that's our hope, that we'll raise lots of money and be able to support House of Friendship as we have in previous years, but just in a different way."
He died in 2018 at the age of 82.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion
Donald Trump suggested Sunday that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally, contending that shippers are charged “ridiculous” fees to pass through the vital transportation channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Man handed 5th distracted driving charge for using cell phone on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa
An Ottawa driver was charged for using a cell phone behind the wheel on Sunday, the fifth time he has faced distracted driving charges.
Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration
Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms.
What's open and closed over the holidays in Canada
As Canadians take time off to celebrate the holidays, many federal offices, stores and businesses will be closed across the country on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
opinion Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies
The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies.
More than 7,000 Jeep SUVs recalled in Canada over camera display concern
A software issue potentially affecting the rearview camera display in select Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models has prompted a recall of more than 7,000 vehicles.
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
10 hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end
The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning.