The line-up to meet Eric Brewer and Dan Hamhuis was the longest – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Dozens turned out for a meet and greet with former Prince George Cougars players at CNC Centre this afternoon.

The session served as the kickoff to this weekend’s sixth annual Prince George Cougars Alumni Hospital Charity Golf Tournament.

Alumnus and part-Cougars owner Eric Brewer was one of those players on hand.

“It’s a great weekend for the alumni association, for the Prince George Cougars, for the Spirit of the North Foundation. It’s been a collection of years to build it up and it’s been quite rewarding.”

Ty Edmonds and Brogan O’Brien

He noted however that the Cariboo wildfires were top of mind for many – including himself.

“I’ve got some good friends of mine who are hoping their houses are still there. In Ashcroft and Cache Creek where I grew up they’ve had some challenges too, so it’s tough. It seems a little bit surreal. You look at it a little differently when you talk to friends and family who are affected.”

Earlier today, the Cougars Alumni Association in conjunction with the Prince George Cougars Society and the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation announced $10,000 will be donated to local wildfire evacuees in support of the BC Wildfire relief effort.

“We all thought the best thing we could do to help is give our love with cash because that’s what they need the most,” said vice-president of business with the Cougars Andy Beesley.

“We share the concern for those displaced during the fire evacuation and are happy to partner with the PG Cougars Alumni and PG Cougars Society, said Judy Neiser, CEO for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. “As a healthcare foundation, this is what partnerships and community is all about – people helping people.”

The weekend activities continue with a golf tournament tomorrow. In the three years since the Cougars new ownership and management took over the team, the tournament has raised over $300,000.

Along with the $10,000 commitment to support wildfire evacuees, the rest of the proceeds go towards purchasing medical equipment in northern, B.C.