RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Sometimes a text is enough.

Former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman and three-time Stanley Cup champion Aaron Ward called the devastation in western North Carolina a “shock.” The photos prompted Ward to post a call to action in his Carolina Hurricanes alumni group chat.

“From an empathic perspective, it touched us. The first thing that came out of our alumni group chat was what we can do, what we need to do and how we go about it,” he said.

Former Hurricane Tim Brent is part of the message thread and said ideas developed quickly.

“The purpose of the alumni association was to give back to a community that has given so much to us,” Brent said. “It happened really quickly, but I think it just speaks to the people in our community.”

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On Wednesday, Ward, Brent and other Hurricanes alumni teamed up with College Hunks Hauling Junk, a moving company headquartered in Tampa with an office in Raleigh. They had a large van available for donations, which the company provided free of charge.

Donors left thousands of items in the parking lot of the Dugout Tavern on Kelly Road in Apex. This includes water, diapers, bleach, non-perishable foods, pet food and more.

Some donors quickly dropped off their items, while others stopped to donate and take a moment to talk to their favorite former Canes.

Since most of the group’s members are more than a decade past their playing days, Ward said it’s still important for them to engage with and support the state that supports them in the Stanley Cup championship when needed. loudly cheered for the 2006 final.

“We are part of the community,” Ward said. “Whether we played hockey (or worked in sales) or whatever, we are now an integral part of the fiber of this community and want to be contributing members.”

The truck is scheduled to head to Hendersonville Thursday morning.

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