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Community partners instill values for KidSport

By Don Fennell

Published 3:55 PST, Mon February 24, 2020

In team sport, those who work best together usually enjoy the most success.

In fact, the core values of co-operation are equally important, and necessary, in most facets of life.

Working collaboratively is a basic tenet taught from an early age. And, fittingly, it’s this mindset that several local groups and individuals employ as a guide to giving back.

Every year, the Richmond chapter of KidSport holds a banquet to ensure children are not left on the sidelines; this year’s event will happen on Feb. 28. Many local businesses embody the old cliche that suggests it takes a village to raise a child. Each has gone beyond expectations to support KidSport Richmond.

“We are so very grateful to our presenting sponsor, the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel, for their significant contribution to our fundraising efforts,” says Steve Valenzuela, chair of Kidsport Richmond’s Creating Community Champions Gala. “We do our best to also control our costs so as much money can be directed towards Richmond kids as possible. We couldn’t do this without an amazing group of community-minded sponsors.”

The Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel donates the room, food, and staff for the evening.

Bench 1775 Winery generously donates wine for the evening, and has been “a strong, valued partner of our for the past several years. Without hesitation they always step up to help us support the kids,” says Valenzuela.

“We’ve also been really grateful to have Fitch Photography volunteer their time to capture the key moments of the evening. They really make a difference for us being able to spread the message about KidSport through our social media platforms. Anyone who uses Fitch Photography for any event would be totally amazed at what they can do.”

Platform Properties has sponsored the gala since its debut seven years ago. The team at Platform has always graciously donated high-value items to gala auctions and are always asking if they can help in other ways, Valenzuela says. “They are there for us no matter what. They give us the support we need to push ahead and help local kids.”

Valenzuela says there are many other organizations that step up to make this evening work. 

“With the cost of living continually going up as well as the cost of sport, it’s harder and harder for families to afford to have their kids involved in sports,” he says. “KidSport Richmond is trying to ease that burden by making sports more affordable for young families and it’s only through our sponsors that we’re able to make this happen.”

From the outset, Bobby Singh has been a huge advocate for KidSport.

A former BC Lion, who grew up in Richmond and still calls it home, Singh is the honourary chair of Creating Community Champions. He is largely responsible for lining up an impressive list of celebrities each year.

Singh says his goal is simply to bring as much exposure as possible to the event—and the cause.

“I think we’ve done an outstanding job and we are so blessed to have an outstanding committee led by Steve Valenzuela,” he says. “We want to provide an outstanding event for our guests, keep them entertained while interacting with a variety of professional athletes, and raise as much money as we can.”

Singh’s sincerity has enabled him to forge strong friendships with other pro athletes. As a result, he’s always been able to ensure Creating Community Champions features an impressive list—from Kirk McLean to Geroy Simon to Jyrki Lumme to Travis Lulay.

“This year, I’m super-excited to have some of my fellow ‘Hogies’ (offensive linemen) like Kelly Bates and Sherko Rasouli join the party,” 

Singh says. “On top of that, Lions’ guard Sukh Chungh will attend. I’ve already called the kitchen staff to make sure we have enough beef for my three lineman brethren.”

Singh says the most common comments he receives from the former pro athletes afterwards is how much fun they have.

“We’ve always been lucky to have great Olympic, Canuck and Lions/CFL alumni and one of the reasons is the Hilton and their entire staff. There’s always ongoing banter with (Hilton general manager) Sanjeet Sadana.”

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