Petes Announce Details for 16th Annual Pink in the Rink Campaign
Photo: Left – Right – Rick Allen, Dan Clark, Josh McGrath, Brian Noble, John Townsend, Julia Smith, Michael Oke, Bryan Crawford
The Peterborough Petes announced the details for the 16th Annual Pink in the Rink Campaign today at a press conference at the PMC. This year’s game will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 against the Oshawa Generals at 7:05 pm.
Last season, the Petes Pink in the Rink Campaign surpassed the $1 million mark in funds raised for cancer research over the 15 year history of the event. This year, the team has announced a fundraising goal of $50,000, continuing the OHL’s biggest ongoing fundraiser for another season.
This season, funds raised from the Pink in the Rink campaign will support the Pedal for Hope tour, a part of Cops for Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). In addition to supporting pediatric cancer research, the Pedal for Hope tour also raises funds to support the Pediatric Family Counselling Service. This program provides much needed support to families and children coping with a cancer diagnosis, as well as young adults who have surpassed their diagnosis as they transition into adulthood.
Since 2005, the Pedal for Hope Cycling Team, featuring local police personnel, first responders, Petes Alumnus and retired NHL player John Druce, and a crew of support personnel have dedicated their time in support of pediatric cancer research. The Pedal for Hope team cycles throughout Central Ontario visiting local schools and businesses delivering a powerful message about kids living with cancer.
The Ambassadors for this year’s Pink in the Rink Campaign will be the Pedal for Hope team. Each week leading up to February 1, the Petes will highlight a member of the team so the community can learn more about the amazing people behind this program.
“The Pedal for Hope team is thrilled to be named the Ambassadors for the 2024-25 Pink in the Rink game,” said Pedal for Hope founder, Staff Sergeant John Townsend. “The money raised at this game will go directly towards helping local children living with cancer and their families through the Canadian Cancer Society’s vital support services and research.
This event is about more than just hockey,” noted Petes Captain Jonathan Melee. “It’s about coming together as a team, as a city, and as a community to make a real difference. Through our support of the Pedal for Hope Tour, we can help fund crucial research and offer hope to families affected by pediatric cancer. The strength and resilience of these young patients inspire all of us, and as a team, we’re committed to helping however we can.”
“Everyone knows someone whether it’s a family member, friend, community member, or even themselves who have been touched by cancer,” continued Townsend. “It takes a community to support each other, and events like these give us the opportunity to spread the word that they are not alone, we are here to support. Every cent truly makes an impact, and we are grateful for this opportunity to work with the Peterborough Petes organization this year to help make a difference in our community.”
The Pink in the Rink Campaign will be supported by a number of activations this year. This includes Pink in the Rink t-shirts, an in-person silent auction during the game, and an in-person game worn jersey auction that will take place on the ice post game. The Pink in the Rink game jersey design will be released to the public in the coming weeks.
Details for the Pink in the Rink t-shirts will be announced next week, with information on how to purchase and where to pick them up. This season, fans are invited to submit their loved ones’ names and pictures to be featured on the video board during the Pink in the Rink game. Fans can submit their loved one’s information through email by clicking here. More details and fundraising opportunities will be released in the coming weeks, stay tuned to the Petes website and social media accounts for updates.
Extremely limited tickets for the 16th annual Pink in the Rink game on Saturday, February 1 against the Oshawa Generals are available now through the Grant Thornton Box Office by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or in person during business hours. Fans are encouraged to act now in order to secure tickets before they’re gone.
