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Listen for shouts of Christmas cheer this Thursday at Rogers Arena, as the Canucks’ wives and girlfriends exchange premium gifts for donations in support of The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund.

They’ll be teaming up for the annual Canucks balloon sale and coin collection fundraiser, where they’ll pop hundreds of balloons – available for fans to purchase at a minimum donation of $20 each – stuffed with vouchers for valuable prizes such as game tickets and signed memorabilia.

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Lauren Sbisa, whose husband Luca plays defence for the team, said the players’ wives and girlfriends cherish gathering for charity events each year.

“This is one of our favourites,” she said, adding it will be her fourth Empty Stocking Fund event.

Sbisa said it’s a joy to see the Christmas spirit emerge as fans chip in to help others and at the same time win some cool gifts of their own.

“People have that inspiration to give back,” she said. “It’s obviously helping kids that are less fortunate and don’t have the opportunity to celebrate at Christmas, so really, it’s special for them.”