Forward Brayden Edwards of the Lethbridge Hurricanes is joining a trio of his teammates in a charitable initiative during the 2024-25 Western Hockey League season.
For every point he notches during the season, he will donate $10 to Special Olympics Lethbridge. He joins teammates Miguel Marques, Tristen Doyle and Will Sharpe in donating funds to a cause this year. Edwards’ fellow players are each donating $10 for every point they record this season to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
READ MORE: Trio of Hurricanes players donating to charity
“I think it’s really important that some of these kids get to play sports like the rest of us do. It’s nice to see them enjoy themselves, have fun and just have a good time while playing sports,” says Edwards, who is the first player in team history to donate to Special Olympics Lethbridge as part of the charitable initiative.
“The reason I chose Special Olympics Lethbridge is because my brother Ty does it back home and he loves doing it and I’ve been able to see all the friends that he’s made from these groups, so I think it’s important for them to experience the same things we do.”
Edwards adds he wants to raise awareness, “So that other people can do the same and that’s one of the main goals with this.”
The 2024-25 season marks the 10th that Hurrican3es players will donate to community charities. The initiative goes back to the 2015-16 campaign, when former captain Tyler Wong led the initiative which helped collect over $20,000 over parts of two seasons.
Additionally, the Hurricanes organization will match Edwards’ donations.
“The work and commitment made by our players to charities in our community and province over the years has been terrific to see and has positively impacted so many people along the way,” says General Manager of Business Operations, Terry Huisman.
“It is such an incredible honour for us to be chosen for this incredible opportunity with Brayden Edwards, as Special Olympics athletes we rise up and take challenges with pride and honour,” says Anny Chenard, Special Olympics, Lethbridge Chair.
“As our oath statement says, ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt’. With this donation, it will help us with transportation and uniforms for over 80 athletes and coaches to head to Provincial Summer Games in Grande Prairie in 2025. Thank you, Brayden, for choosing us and to the Lethbridge Hurricanes. We are grateful for your support and bringing awareness to Special Olympics Lethbridge.”
Anyone who would like to join Edwards and the Hurricanes organization in donating can contact the team office at 403-380-7507 for more information.
