Soft toy donation from ice hockey side

DUMFRIES ice hockey side Solway Sharks donated around 200 teddy bears and toys to the children’s ward at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. The teddies were donated by fans in the ‘hurl a hug’ game on Saturday, December 13, when Jordan Buesa’s opening goal saw it rain teddies onto the ice from the stands. The event, first thought up in 2021, calls on players, club staff and fans to buy a soft toy and throw it onto the ice after the first Solway Sharks goal at a match in December in time for the Christmas donation. Staff from the ward were delighted to accept the soft toys and despite the handover being outside in wet and wild wintry weather due to essential visiting only at the hospital there were smiles all round. Kirstine Burns, senior charge nurse, said: “It’s lovely for children to pick out a soft toy from the fantastic collection that the Solway Sharks bring in their donation. It’s also lovely for their families as this brings a smile to their child who is in hospital over Christmas time. “With so many soft toys donated we can also give some out to children receiving care in the community, at The Willows or Oak Tree Family Centre.” This year joining the Solway Sharks players at the handover was Owen Blackstock who works at NHS Dumfries and Galloway with the Patient Focused Booking team. Liam Stenton, on behalf of the Solway Sharks, said: “It’s important to us to do good for the community where the club is based, and it really is a pleasure to bring some happiness to children who are in hospital over Christmas time. “The response to the fourth year of our ‘Hurl a Hug’ event has once again been amazing and with so many toys the donation can be shared with children in the community as well as those in hospital. “Thank you to everyone who has donated in good Christmas spirit.”