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Canucks: Quinn Hughes visits Kelowna firehall with $250,000 team donation to Red Cross

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Newly minted Vancouver Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes paid tribute Friday to firefighters in the Okanagan, which has been ravaged by wildfires that destroyed homes and forced thousands out of their homes.

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Hughes brought a $250,000 team donation to the Canadian Red Cross and he and Canucks executives visited the West Kelowna Fire Department to thank firefighters for their efforts.

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Hughes, who was named the 15th captain of the team on Monday, said he was honoured to represent the team.

“As many know, my grandfather was a New York City firefighter for more than 30 years,” said the Florida-born defenceman. “Hearing stories from him and my family undoubtedly had an impact on me growing up so when (Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford) asked me if I wanted to be here today, I was honoured to be asked.”

Quinn Hughes
Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and Canucks president Jim Rutherford paid a visit to West Kelowna firefighters on Sept. 15, 2023. Photo: Vancouver Canucks jpg

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said Quinn’s presence was a morale booster.

“To have Quinn visit the firehall meant so much to our team and lifted our spirits at an important time,” he said in a statement.

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Quinn Hughes
Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and Canucks president Jim Rutherford paid a visit to West Kelowna firefighters on Sept. 15, 2023. Photo: Vancouver Canucks jpg

Hughes and the Canucks team were also in town for the 10th annual Young Stars Classic in Penticton this weekend.

The donation was funded by an online auction that raised about $72,000, with Canucks ownership and the Canucks for Kids Fund contributing the rest.

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Vancouver Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes and Canucks executives visit the West Kelowna Fire Department on Friday to announce a $250,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross to support families affected by the B.C. wildfires. Photo by Submitted/Vancouver Canucks /jpg

“We can never say thank you enough to the fire departments for their courage through this horrific wildfire season,” said Rutherford. “To be here with Quinn, and to hear their stories, reminds us all of how important these brave people are to families across B.C.”

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Quinn Hughes at West Kelowna fire hall with donation for families affected by B.C. wildfires. jpg

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