Team Simmons to donate portion of GSOC winnings
TRURO, N.S. — There’s a new member of Team Pat Simmons this season.
The reigning Brier champions have partnered up with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) to help raise awareness for the challenges facing ill and injured members of the Canadian Forces.
Team Simmons will be donating a portion of their Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling prize money to the charity this season.
“It’s just a little way we can try and give back,” Simmons said. “That’s something that kind of goes with our partnership.”
There’s a strong connection between the Canadian Forces and the Calgary-based team. Coach Earle Morris, father of third John Morris, served in the Canadian Forces for 30 years as a physical education and recreation officer.
“We try and pick a group every year to partner up with and give some recognition to,” Simmons said. “I think it’s a combination of things, like Earle has a military background, and just overall a good group and a good cause.”
John Morris added in a press release, “Gaps have left our Canadian Forces personnel in need, and that’s why the WWC programs and services are so vital. Utilizing our team’s social media platforms and by promoting WWC at competitions we hope to inform and educate Canadians. We’ve decided to donate a portion of our GSOC prize money to WWC because we want to make a difference.”
Team Simmons have been out of the mix from the past few Pinty’s GSOC events, but make their return to the series this week at the Masters.
“We’ve been absent at these for a little bit so it’ll be nice to get going,” Simmons said. “We’re starting a little bit later than everyone else but we’re happy to be here, absolutely.”