Got blue jeans, sneakers and a nice, wide smile? C.J. Graphics’ President and CEO Jay Mandarino has announced that his C.J. Skateboard Park & School in Etobicoke, Ontario will host its next “Kids Being Kids” program that’s free for children and their families affected by cancer on Saturday, May 14. The not-for-profit organization will be working in partnership with CIBC, OPACC (Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer), Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation and Gilda’s Club of Toronto. The program invites children and their families to enjoy all the skate park has to offer – including scooters, knee-slides, a foam pit, Sony PlayStation room, arts and crafts and, of course, skateboarding. There will also be a vertical ramp demonstration by some of the park’s amazing volunteers and experienced riders.
Children and parents are welcome to come out and lend a helping hand with waiver signing, food and beverage distribution, group stretching and assisting kids with their chosen activities. No equipment or expertise is required – just jeans, sneakers and a genuine smile! If you’re interested in volunteering from 8:30 am to 11:45 am, please email your name(s) and the dates you would like to attend to: volunteer@cjskateboardpark.com or contact the park at (416) 259-6888.
Park officials are also are looking for more families who are affected by cancer to try out its programs. All information will be kept strictly confidential. Limited space is available and registration will be on a first-come-first-served basis. “No matter what they’re going through, kids still need to be kids,” said C.J. Skateboard Park & School Founder Jay Mandarino. “They happen to be going through a tough time and being able to brighten their day, in whatever way, is so rewarding.”
Mandarino has set up a private Facebook group with amazing pictures of all the kids and volunteers. Just click on the link below and enter your Facebook password and hit “join.” Your request will be confirmed in a few days. This procedure will protect all the kids in the program and just share within that community as a private group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CJsKidsBeingKids.
Here’s a message from Pinball Clemons who has volunteered for the event in the past. http://youtu.be/H0kVJ3urbKo.
For more on the inspiring Kids Being Kids program, please watch these short videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNkGYXatq2o and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG7I2v4DzU.
Kids Being Kids next big event is this Saturday, May 14
