Coaching for Kids!
With the challenges that many of us are faced every day… I stopped to think about what I CAN do. I have something I can share… I invite you to be a part! This was in October of 2007 when I learned of a little girl named Ella with a cancerous brain tumor.
A friend of had recently set forth on a journey to raise $5000 for cancer research after discovering a co-worker had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He achieved is goal in 3 weeks! I was amazed!
It made me stop to think about what we are blessed with being able to do and how could we share those talents and abilities with those needing a hand during a time of need.
I love kids… I love to coach… so I contacted a friend of mine who has a passion to help others – especially children.
Together, Mena Westhaver of PowerWest Athletics & Reza Binab from the Victoria Grizzlies created the Grizzlies ‘Cub’ Fund.
The Grizzlies ‘Cub’ Fund is a project that supports local Victoria families stricken with the devastation of a child in their family becoming ill or injured. We want to help make the unfortunate journey they are enduring a little lighter.
The Grizzlies ‘Cub’ Fund offered a number of opportunities for kids to ‘SKATE TO DONATE’. I offered skating sessions while assisted by Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Players on ice at Bear Mountain Arena. These classes were unique, fun and exciting for all of the participants. ALL monies donated went directly to help out our chosen Bear ‘Cub’ at that time. No ice fees, no instructor costs. A minimum donation amount was asked of each participant; however, more was always contributed. When a milestone dollar amount was achieved… we proudly presented our chosen Bear ‘Cub’ a cheque to assist their family.
Here is a picture of our first cub Ella… we were very excited to be able to present her family $5400 on December 30th, 2007!
In December of 2008 we donated to the BC Children’s Hospital ward a cheque for $1000 from our island kids in support of island kids that go to BCCH for help when they are ill.
In April 2009 we were thrilled to support Charlotte and her family through our campaign ‘quarters for cubs’… the power of a quarter took us to $2500 to assist Charlotte and her beautiful family. A quarter was donated by each participant from my Sole Sisters walk/run clinic throughout their training program.
After learning of our own child’s illness we are motivated again to make a difference. We have had our fair share of community support and will be forever grateful for the outpouring of assistance we have received. Through this, with all of you, we CAN continue to make a difference.
NOW…the Grizzlies Cub Fund Initiative just got more exciting… through www.westhavers4kids.com you will learn about more events that we are organizing to help kids like our son Jack live well, live strong and continue to live healthy. We look forward to continue this venture with you.
The Grizzlies Cub Fund was proudly supported by:
And
PowerWest Athletics