Baseball coaches from Tsawwassen and Ladner are continuing their volunteer mission in Mexico, giving under privileged children the opportunity to play and learn the game.
It was in March of 2022 when a contingent of 14 Canadians, including 13 from South Delta, paid their way to Puerto Escondido where they provided donated equipment and uniforms while hosting a camp for more than 80 children, forming five teams. It was such a success that other nearby towns in the Oaxaca state have asked if they can have the same experience for their youth. Now the wheels are in motion to make a long-term impact on baseball development in the region.
“Our goal, with the help from Ladner Minor Baseball Association (LMBA), is to start an Oaxaca amateur baseball league for children and have Ladner as the sister association,” explained Tsawwassen resident Mike Canaday, a Vancouver firefighter. “We were approached by San Pedro Puchutla to host a camp for their kids. We have already collected enough gear to go in March. We would then go to Huatulco in 2024 and the new league would incorporate the three coastal towns.”
The 2023 travelling contingent will feature eight coaches from Ladner and Tsawwassen. Canaday is getting significant help from LMBA president Todd Allan and vice-president Al Hart while the donations include three garbage bags full of Roberto Alomar baseball gloves from the Vancouver Canadians. His biggest challenge again is coming up with enough funding to cover the significant costs of getting the equipment to Mexico.
A Go Fund Page has been launched. A fundraiser dinner and silent auction will also take place on Feb. 2 at Il Posto Casual Italian Eatery in Ladner Village.
“We have a budget of $12,000 and without silent auction items donated or funds raised through the Go Fund Me Page it will be very challenging to host the camp,” Canaday added.
To purchase tickets are donate to the silent auction contact Mike Canaday at: mdcanaday@yahoo.ca.
