The annual Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Finch Ford Lincoln, brought warmth and joy to the Sarnia community this past Sunday as thousands of stuffed animals rained down onto the ice at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena. While the Sarnia Sting fell 4-1 to the Saginaw Spirit, the event achieved a remarkable milestone with a record-breaking 4,663 teddy bears collected—each one destined to make a difference for local families in need this holiday season. The Teddy Bear Toss has become a cherished tradition in Sarnia, uniting fans, players, and community members in a shared mission of giving. This year’s teddy bears will be distributed to approximately 20 local charities across the Sarnia-Lambton region, ensuring that children facing challenges during the holidays receive a gift that brings comfort and smiles.
“This is a special event… it’s always a fantastic game,” says Mark Guy, Managing Partner at Finch Ford Lincoln. “We’re incredibly proud to be part of something that directly impacts so many families in our community.” The sight of thousands of bears cascading from the stands after rookie Beckham Edwards' power-play goal—his 12th of the season—was a heartwarming reminder of the generosity and spirit of Sarnia fans. The goal, assisted by Easton Wainwright on his 100th OHL point, set the perfect stage for an evening dedicated to giving back. “I really want to thank everybody who's been involved in this event over the years, and especially all our partners, the groups that take the teddy bears and distribute them to all the kids for us,” adds Guy. As the bears are sorted, packed, and delivered to local charities, the true impact of the Teddy Bear Toss will be felt in homes and shelters across the region. It’s more than just a hockey game—it’s a celebration of kindness, community, and the joy of giving during the holiday season.
