Throughout June & July, Cody Deaner will be raising $ for the Lansdowne Children's Centre #EveryKidCounts program through his "Giv'er for Charity" campaign. 100% of money raised from the cartoon caricature poster sales (created by Richard Hodges at Rikar Art) goes to this amazing children's program in Brantford, Ontario. You can donate at events Cody will be at or you can purchase an autographed poster online directly at [email protected]. Cody had the following to say about the announcement on his Facebook page: "I’m excited to make this announcement… In the months of June & July, the “Giv’er for Charity” campaign will be partnering with the Lansdowne Children's Centre to raise money for their Every Kid Counts Program. Almost 2 years ago, I met a special little girl named Regan. After an event, I made my way to the merchandise table and was approached by a mother with a small girl hiding behind her. The small girl was clearly devastated, distraught and was weeping. That child was Regan. I learned she was very shaken up and upset because I had lost my match that night. What Regan’s mother said next really hit me… “This is a really big deal for her,” she told me. “She’s autistic.” All of a sudden, what I thought was just normal shyness turned out to be much more. I've interacted with many autistic children over the years and have learned that showing emotion can be difficult for them. And talking to strangers can be very difficult for them as well. I knelt down to console Regan and she no longer hid behind her mother. She allowed me to console her and try to take away her tears. I took her by the hand and took her to my merch table and signed a hat of mine for her and told her, "This is a present for you Regan. You don't need to cry anymore." Her tears disappeared. That day started a 2 year relationship where I see Regan and her mother at many wrestling shows. I always take a picture with Regan. We chat. And her smile always makes my day. When I started the “Giv’er for Charity” campaign, I reached out to Regan’s mother, Jenn. I asked her if there are any charities that have helped Regan. She quickly said the Lansdowne Children’s Centre in Brantford, Ontario. The Every Kid Counts program at the Lansdowne Children’s Centre allows children and youth with special needs to have an equal opportunity to participate in local recreational programs of their choice. Currently each year the EKC program is able to provide 110 kids with 40 hours each of recreational programming. Sadly, it is the reality that the Lansdowne Children’s Centre cannot honor all the requests they receive from the families. Sadly, they regularly have to defer or decline the requests due to lack of funding. Every Kid Counts is solely financially supported by the funds raised through donations received from the community. The more funds they receive = the more children they can serve. That’s where we come in. Through the “Giv’er for Charity” campaign, and all of the amazing wrestling fans I meet at shows, I know we can help raise money and awareness to this great program and hopefully give them a substantial cheque at the end of July. I’ll be raising this money in honor of my friend, Regan. In her honor, I know we can raise money to help out so many awesome kids just like her. Let’s not just giv’er guys… Let’s GIV’ER for CHARITY! Sincerely, Cody Deaner" To read more about the "Giv'er for Charity" campaign and how you can get involved, click the link below. Comments are closed.
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March 2024
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