‘Pug Life’ shirts raise over $13K for childhood cancer support organization

Kitchener Rangers fans know the “Pug Life” shirts, and now families with children battling cancer will feel the effects of the funds raised by them.

Earlier this hockey season, Ranger Antonino Pugliese partnered with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO).

“Pug Life” t-shirts were made up, to symbolize the Forward’s fierce presence on the ice.

Pugliese had originally set out to raise $1,000.

The final number was over $13,000.

The leading childhood cancer support organization was a major player in Pugliese’s life, when his younger brother battled cancer.

“[The shirts] sold out in like the first night and that’s just how our fans are, they’re so supportive of us,” said Pugliese. “[POGO] helped me a lot growing up with my brother who fought childhood cancer and so to be able to give back to them means a lot to me.”

Development Officer of Pogo Cheryl Jorritsma said in a release, “These funds will provide financial assistance to families so they can pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with their child’s treatment. As well as fund promising research that examines the impact of childhood cancer and its treatment.”

To find out more about POGO, you can read and/or make a donation here.