How Sports Changed My Life

We couldn’t do what we do without passion and you!

We like to brag about the staff at the Abbotsford Food Bank .Yes, we are working on our humility, but it’s true—we have some pretty amazing people working here. Not only are they skilled, but they have a huge heart for what we do.

 

 

If you recall, last month in our blog post we talked about the impact of relationships and how big solutions start with accomplishments that you or I might take for granted. Today, we want to tell you about our “All Play Kids Sports” program and how relationships built within this context can shape a person.

Meet Brad Quiring. He coordinates the fund development here at the Food Bank, as well as the “All Play Sports” program. His heart beats for soccer and making sure that every child is given a chance to play in the sports that he/she loves. He also knows first hand the power of sport.

 

Recently, Brad made a list of all the people who impacted his life. His family were at the top of the list. Next up , teammates and coaches.

“Sports have always been a huge part of my life, and I’ve probably spent more time out on the practice field than most other places combined. But the more that I thought about it, the more I realized that—for better or worse—sports have largely made me who I am today.”

“sports have largely made me who I am today.”

Brad’s list help him identify who he wanted to be like and the things that really matter.

“Coaches and teammates taught me that my identity wasn’t found in winning or losing—that I had value no matter what. They also taught me that a disciplined team, when working together, can do great things.”

“Coaches and teammates taught me that my identity wasn’t found in winning or losing—that I had value no matter what.”

 

 

Given these experiences, and recognizing the importance of sports in the development of a child, Brad has taken up coaching. He now gets to offer the privilege of playing soccer to children and families that rely on the Food Bank—many of whom have very difficult lives. In this space, he has the opportunity to remind them that they are capable beyond their skill level, that they are loved, and that they can make a difference in the world.

 

 

In the last 5 years, with your help through the Food Bank, we’ve sent more than 200 kids to soccer camp. We’ve also had another 40 or so participate in a monthly drop-in program. Through these initiatives, we’ve been able to connect children and youth with positive mentors in the community, stress the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle, and simply have fun.

 

“With your help through the Food Bank, we’ve sent more than 200 kids to soccer camp”

 

This summer, together with Athletes in Action and Northview Community Church, we’ll be doing it all again, and we can’t wait. Click here to be a part of it by sending a child to camp, designate funds to “All Play Kids Sport”. Their lives won’t be the same if you do. Thanks for reading!