NHL teams to raise money for Haiti relief efforts

While the NHL has donated $100,000 to the Haitian relief efforts, the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks are among the League's individual clubs who have announced plans to raise funds of their own.

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation will be teaming up with employees of Ilitch Holdings to host a 50/50 Raffle to benefit the American Red Cross during Sunday afternoon's game against the Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena.
 
Tickets for Sunday's raffle will be sold three for $10 and the raffle will run from the time arena doors open at 11:30 a.m. until the beginning of the second period. One ticket will be selected with the winner receiving half of the pool collected and the other half going directly to Red Cross and earmarked towards the relief efforts in Haiti.
 
"The magnitude of the tragedy in Haiti has us all looking for ways to help those in need," said Karen Cullen, President of Ilitch Charities and Vice President of Communications for Ilitch Holdings. "This is a great way for the Red Wings, their fans and our employees to join together in the relief efforts."

Meanwhile, the Penguins will hold their own collection to support the relief efforts when they host the Washington Capitals on Thursday at Mellon Arena.
 
Team employees and members of the Penguins Booster Club will be collecting donations at Gates 1, 3 and 10 before Thursday's game. All money collected will be donated to the American Red Cross and designated for the Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

The Flames announced that proceeds from 50/50 raffles at the next three home games – Friday against the Nashville Predators, Thursday, Jan. 21 against the Blackhawks and Monday, Jan. 25th against the St. Louis Blues -- will be directed to Haiti Relief Efforts through the Canadian Red Cross.
 
In addition, the Calgary Flames Better Halves will be on the concourse on Thursday auctioning game-used autographed hockey sticks. One stick per Flames player will be autographed and auctioned off at the game against the Blackhawks behind section 211.
 
"While our prayers and thoughts go out to the people of Haiti at this time of urgent need, we as Canadians need to do much more to provide critical support," said Flames President & CEO Ken King.

"The Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Government have taken a lead role in responding. The Calgary Flames intend to use our unique resources to assist their efforts."

The Blackhawks, during Thursday's home game against Columbus, dedicated the proceeds from their 50/50 raffle to the Haiti Relief Fund. Fans were also encouraged through announcements and jumbotron messages to text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross to help relief efforts.