Ehrlo Baseball Rookie League will soon be highlighted at a major gala in Toronto.
On May 19th, Gloria Patrick, Sport Venture manager, and volunteer coach Phyllis Littletent will be taking part in the Jays Care Curve Ball Gala at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, believes that an opportunity gap exists in underserved communities across Canada and many children step up to the plate with two strikes already against them. They create programs that support youth across the county to overcome the current barriers to fair and accessible sport and recreation opportunities.
Since 2018, they have funded the Ehrlo Baseball Rookie League and this year also funded a Family Night at Home program in Regina for 25 families.
Gloria and Phyllis have been invited to network with guests and sponsors at the gala about Sport Venture’s programs and their impact on the community. Phyllis will have an opportunity to share how the league has positively impacted her family and community.
“We are tremendously grateful for the support from Jays Care over the years. Our baseball league has grown from just 50 youth to over 200 players last year. This year, we anticipate exceeding that as the need for this type of programming increases. We could not offer this opportunity without the support from Jays Care,” said Gloria.
She added, “We know firsthand the benefits of sport. It is more than developing physical literacy. At Sport Venture, our staff and volunteers help young people learn responsibility, build healthy relationships and leadership skills, and also help them find a support network where they feel like they belong.”
Phyllis who will be accompanying Gloria on the trip is not only a volunteer but a parent of children in Sport Venture’s leagues.
“Phyllis has stepped up as a parent coach over the past year starting with the Ehrlo Baseball Rookie League. She not only coaches, but she also had her family come to dance, drum, and sing at our tournament. Their presentation allowed all of our players and families an opportunity to celebrate and recognize Indigenous ceremony,” said Gloria.
The Jays Care Curve Ball Gala raises funds to teach life skills and create lasting social change for children in marginalized communities across Canada.
