Kitchener Rangers host annual Don Cameron Potato Night on Tuesday

A cherished tradition in honour of Don Cameron returns to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. CTV’s Karis Mapp is there for the spud spectacular.

As the Kitchener Rangers get ready to welcome the London Knights to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday night, they are also preparing to continue an almost 30-year tradition.

The 29^th annual Don Cameron Potato Night will once again support House of Friendship.

“Potatoes, for a lot of people, are a staple food item. When we’re having this Potato Night, we’re raising potatoes and cash to support people in the community who need food,” Jennifer Scott, House of Friendship’s chief executive officer, told CTV News. “One in nine people in Waterloo Region don’t have enough money to purchase the food that they need. This really helps ensure our neighbours in need have access to food all year long.”

Fans and rivals alike are asked to donate potatoes or cash when they walk into the arena on Tuesday. While the spuds have stolen the spotlight in previous years, the Kitchener Rangers say monetary donations are preferred as is gives House of Friendship the flexibility to buy potatoes throughout the year.

“Back in five, ten years ago, we would collect 60,000 lbs of potatoes in February and keeping them fresh and distributing them was hard. A financial donation allows us to ensure that people have access to the food that they need all year long,” Scott said.

“Each year, the House of Friendship uses more than 300,000 pounds of potatoes across its emergency food hampers and food assistance programs,” a news release from the hockey team said. “When potato supplies run low, cash donations are essential to ensure continued access to this staple food for individuals and families across Waterloo Region.”

The initiative was started by Don Cameron, the former play-by-play radio voice who was part of more than 4,000 broadcasts over 50 seasons. Although Cameron passed away in 2018, Potato Night continues in honour of the man from Prince Edward Island.

“The Don Cameron Potato Night is a powerful reminder of the impact our fans can have when they come together,” said COO and Governor Joe Birch. “This event has become a cornerstone of our community outreach, and we’re grateful for the continued generosity shown to the House of Friendship year after year.”

Puck drops at 7 p.m.

The Rangers also recently secured a spot in the 2026 OHL playoffs.