Y.A.A.C.E Grey Cup Visit

On December 16th, 2017 our team travelled to C.W. Jeffreys Collegiate Institute to surprise the children of the Y.A.A.A.C.E organization with a chance to feel like a champion and raise the Grey Cup.

The Foundation had arranged an end-of-the-year pizza party for the children, as well as their families as part of the 12 Days of Giving. Unknowingly to them, the team was bringing more than just hot pizza, which was generously donated by Pizzaville. Along with our team and a few donors, we had a few special guests drop by. These guests included Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders, and a member of the newly crowned CFL Grey Cup Champions and Toronto Native, Matt Black

In a community where struggle and hardship is constant, it is important for these children to see first hand what education, determination and hard work can achieve. Matt Black experienced his own sense of struggle growing up in the inner cities of Toronto. Black mentioned in an interview by the Toronto Star;

“My love of sports pushed me to do well in school so I could continue to play. I had the

athletic ability to get there but I had to achieve certain grades. The academic side was

going to hold me back and I didn’t want to let that happen.”

Through hard work and persistence, Matt earned a four year scholarship to Saginaw Valley State, which ultimately led to the earning of a Bachelor’s Degree. Following college, Matt was drafted by his hometown’s own Toronto Argonauts, and is currently in his 9th season. He was a key factor in the championship game win with what many people consider the biggest play in Argos history. Matt made the game clinching interception in the final seconds of the game.

It was quite evident that the words of Matt Black, as well as the words of Michael “Pinball” Clemons really reignited with each child. Following their speeches, all of the children lined up for their moment with the Grey Cup. It was a wonderful and rewarding sight for the parents, our team and most importantly the donors, who got to see how their contributions made this moment possible.