PALM DESERT, CA — The Coachella Valley Firebirds announced Monday that the franchise will be participating in a joint Los Angeles wildfire relief effort with four other California-based American Hockey League teams.
In addition to the Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, representatives from the Bakersfield Condors, Ontario Reign, San Diego Gulls and San Jose Barracuda will collect monetary and item donations over the next three days, according to a team statement.
Firebirds staff will host collection drives in Acrisure Arena’s VIP Lot A at 11 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, in addition to a shorter event at 5 p.m. before the team’s home game against the Henderson Silver Knights.
Fans were encouraged to bring diapers, phone chargers, socks, deodorant, toothpaste, dry shampoo, blankets, new pillows and food items.
The One Valley Foundation, the Firebirds’ philanthropic arm, has already pledged a $10,000 donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, according to the statement. An additional $7,000 was raised during an in-game auction on Sunday, and the team has promised to donate 50% of all ticket proceeds for the showdown against the Silver Knights.
“This money will equip the LAFD members with Emergency Fire Shelters, Hydration Backpacks, and Wildland Brush Tools,” John Page, senior vice president of Acrisure Arena and the Firebirds, said in a statement. “We encourage our fans and those who are able, to donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation or Pasadena Humane. Our hearts are with the Los Angeles community and the courageous first responders.”
A full list of items, additional collection drive information and other charitable groups seeking donations can be found at onevalleyfoundation.org/LosAngeles.
