Milton Keynes Ice Hockey Club (MKL) is delighted to announce the incredible success of its “Air the Bear” event, held on December 2nd.
The “Air the Bear” tradition, a highlight of the MKL calendar, saw fans throw these teddy bears onto the ice following the team’s first goal, filling the arena with a spirit of joy and community. The overwhelming number of bears received this year allowed the club to extend its charitable reach beyond the initial plan.
In a significant expansion of the event’s impact, the bears were shared not only with MK Hospital Charity but also with several other local charities, including CHUMS, MK Carers, and Willen Hospice.
These organisations play vital roles in supporting various community needs. Willen Hospice will use the donations for their child bereavement work. CHUMS and Carers MK support carers aged from 5 years up. They will gift the bears to their Young Carers.
To honour and acknowledge these charities, representatives were invited to Saturday night’s game. MKL players Ross Venus and Ed Knaggs presented the representatives with the teddy bears, showing the club’s commitment to supporting the broader Milton Keynes community.
This gesture of kindness and solidarity with local charities underscores MKL’s dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the ice. The success of the “Air the Bear” event is a testament to the club’s values and the incredible support of its fans, who came together to make a real difference in the lives of many.
