In June, The Montreal Community Cares Foundation (MCCF) organized an afternoon of sports for Montrealers as the community gathered to play everything from basketball to pickleball, emphasizing the importance of youth sports. The Montreal Community Cares Foundation (MCCF) supports youth through sports, mentorship, and academics, and targeted to raise $100,000 by the end of June. Every year, the MCCF hosts a day of play and a walkathon to raise funds.
The MCCF aims to build resilient youth through the power of sports, education, and community. Since its inception in 2012, the organization has helped more than 625 youth adopt behaviours that foster confidence, discipline, and social responsibility. Programs like MTL Goal, Red Rush Basketball Leadership, and Life Coaching for Teens educate youth on emotional intelligence, teamwork, and community service.
MCCF also supports families, and the Montreal Community Cares & Shares event celebrates the holiday season with a festive family dinner featuring singing, dancing, storytelling, and gift-giving. Over seven years of toy drives, MCCF has gifted over 9,750 toys to 35 local schools and community centres.
“We believe in guiding kids to success through sports and academics,” said Denburk Reid, MCCF founder and president. The funds are used for renting gyms, buying uniforms, paying coaches, and allowing kids to join tournaments. This year, the need for money is especially urgent.
“The cost of everything has gone up,” said Reid. “We are doing our best to help kids and families get into the game.” Reid and other staff believe that kids today need these opportunities more than ever especially after the pandemic, as increased screen time leads to a sedentary lifestyle and more exposure to cyberbullying.
Kris Joseph, a coach at the MCCF’s Red Rush basketball program, says staying on the court helped him a lot growing up as basketball kept him and his friends out of trouble. Deandra Nelson, who has been playing basketball with Red Rush for two years, said that he feels at home with Red Rush and that it has helped him build confidence and skills.
Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson was also present to play. “It takes a village to raise a kid, not just a single household,” he said, adding that everyone at MCCF is there to help guide kids on a smart path.
