Teddy bear round up games set for Dec. 1

On Saturday, Dec. 1, the Falcon Athletic Department will host a Teddy Bear Roundup at four home events.

Fans are encouraged to bring new teddy bears to donate at each event.

All teddy bears and will go to the River Falls Area Hospital (RFAH) emergency room and birth center.

The day begins with the women’s hockey team hosting UW-Stevens Point at 2:05 p.m.

Next the Falcon men’s basketball team opens WIAC play hosting UW-Platteville at 3 p.m.

The women’s basketball team will also open WIAC play against UW-Platteville at 5 p.m.

And, to top the day off, the men’s hockey team hosts UW-Superior at 7:05 p.m.

Both hockey games are at Hunt Arena and the basketball games are at the Karges Center.

There will be collection sites near the doors at each venue.

“This is an opportunity for our fans and Falcon Athletics to work together and hopefully help make a child’s stay in an emergency room a little easier, and for a newborn to have a first teddy bear. We ask all of our fans to help us collect as many teddy bears as possible on Dec. 1,” said Falcon Sports Information Director Jim Thies.

“For an injured or ill child, visiting the emergency department can be a frightening and unfamiliar experience,” said Karen Swenson who is the patient care manager at the RFAH emergency department.

“Thanks to the support of the Falcon Athletics and their committed fans, the children in our community will receive a special teddy bear during their visit. This gift of kindness will provide comfort, strength, and security to our young patients during a difficult time. Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.”

“We appreciate Falcon Athletics and Falcon fans for considering the hospital for this donation,” said Julie McGary who is the nurse manager at the RFAH birth center. “The birth of a newborn is such an exciting event. Presenting a teddy bear to the new parents will commemorate the day in a special way.