TORONTO - T’is the season to be jolly, as Canada Basketball hosts the second annual "GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GAME" holiday drive. From discounted Toronto Raptors tickets to new CB Classic apparel items to NBA’s online auction, basketball enthusiasts across the country can all share in the spirit of giving through Dec. 31, 2009.
“Canada’s basketball community is diverse and passionate, and the ‘GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GAME’ campaign offers everyone a chance to invest in the future of the sport,” said Wayne Parrish, Executive Director and CEO for Canada Basketball. “Collectively we can make a positive impact and improve the quality of the game for the next generation of young basketball players.”
Canada Basketball offers four ways for proud Canadians to "GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GAME":
1. Donate online now to help Canada's World Championship Athletes - 100 per cent of the donation is eligible for a tax receipt.
2. Shop at shop.basketball.ca and purchase the CB Classic Collection.
3. Bid on unique items at NBA's Online Auction at auctions.nba.com (December 4-15).
4. Go to Canada Basketball Night at the Air Canada Centre (Raptors vs. Hawks - Dec. 11).
Canadian Basketball Foundation:
The Canadian Basketball Foundation is a registered charitable organization dedicated to growing the game of basketball from the grassroots to the elite level, including Canada’s 2010 World Championship Teams. Caring Canadians can “pay it forward” by make a generous donation to the CBF in lieu of purchasing gifts this season.
Your gift of $25, $50 or $100 puts us one step closer to developing Canada’s young athletes for the global stage. With online donations, giving has never been easier. To support Team Canada simply visit the
Canada Basketball Gift of the Game online giving page. All contributions made before Dec. 31, 2009 will receive a 100 per cent charitable tax receipt.
CB Classic Collection – Merchandise Offer:
Shop now for the perfect holiday gift: Introducing the CB Classic Collection limited edition designer bamboo T-shirt available in five unique styles, only $34.99 each. It's the gift that keeps of on giving, with proceeds benefiting the CBF. Visit
http://shop.basketball.ca by Dec. 15 to ensure delivery before Christmas.
Canada Basketball Online Auction:
Ultimate sports fans can get into the game with Canada Basketball’s second annual online auction in partnership with NBA Canada. It is 12 days of bidding as people can submit offers on 20 unique packages from Dec. 4–15.
“We are delighted to work with Canada Basketball again to deliver a spectacular 12 days of giving with the NBA online auction,” said Dan Mackenzie, General Manager for NBA Canada. “Our auction provides a creative way to fundraise for Canada Basketball while showcasing unique items that celebrate our nation’s diverse history in basketball.”
Items include Team Canada 2010 World Championship signed memorabilia, a 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Team USA autographed basketball, a pair of tickets to the Toronto Raptors vs. L.A. Lakers game (Jan. 24, 2010) and a Raptors Behind-the-Scenes broadcast experience.
Canada Basketball Night at Air Canada Centre
The Toronto Raptors will host the 5th Annual Canada Basketball Night at Air Canada Centre on Dec. 11. A celebration of the great game of basketball, fans in the arena and across Canada are encouraged to take part by tuning in to Raptors NBA TV for the pre-game show (6:00 pm ET) followed by the game broadcast on TSN2 (7:00 pm ET).
As a bonus, the Toronto Raptors are pleased to offer all Canada Basketball players, friends, family and supporters a chance to save up to 24 per cent off the regular ticket price. To order tickets for
Canada Basketball Night use the special offer code “cb2.”
“We’re proud to host the 5th Annual Canada Basketball Night at Air Canada Centre,” said Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice President and COO for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., and Canada Basketball Board of Director. “This event is a staple on the Toronto Raptors calendar, and with this being the Raptors 15th anniversary season, we’re excited to celebrate this great game with passionate fans across the country.”