By Chad Polito
Special Collaboration
For over 20 years, Erin Sports Association has been collaborating with BGC Dawson to provide magical moments for members of our community. Over the course of three days, the Verdun based social club has been delivering gifts and food baskets to BGC Dawson for distribution in the community. To add a little extra cheer, families with young children were also given beautifully wrapped gifts for each child in their household.
Glenn Cambridge, a member of the Erin Sports executive committee, had the joy of delivering the food to BGC Dawson this year. “It is a real privilege for us to serve the community like this,” says Glenn. “Erin Sports has around 60 members who fundraise nearly $30,000 every year to invest back into the community.” Asked what motivates them to give back, Glenn responded, “We (Erin Sports) are just a bunch of blue-collar workers who really want to help the community. We are very fortunate, and this is our way of giving back.”
Pre-COVID, Erin Sports would host an annual Christmas party for BGC Dawson kids complete with a meal, gifts from Santa and a food basket for the entire family. Cindy Cohen, children’s programs coordinator at BGC Dawson, has seen the direct impact of this partnership. “For 18 years, I have seen first-hand the joy this brings kids in our programs. The party is so festive and the look on each child’s face when they receive a gift is priceless!” explains Cindy.
Last year COVID-19 prevented Erin Sports from holding their annual holiday party but that did not stop the club from spreading holiday cheer. In place of the annual holiday dinner, Erin Sports provided food baskets and wrapped presents for families. This year was no different with 25 families being assisted through their annual donation. Every family received a substantial food basket complete with all of the basic staples as well as a turkey and a ham! “Mommy this is my favourite!” exclaimed a young child when he saw a special treat in their basket. “I cannot wait to try this when we get home”.
Over the years, Erin Sports has provided BGC Dawson with donations for summer camp programing in addition to the holiday dinner/ food baskets. “Dean Whalen from Erin Sports has been great to work with over the last five years,” concludes Cindy Cohen. “He truly has a heart of gold and does everything he can to make this season magical for our members”.
