Working for an organization that receives a lot of uninformed acknowledgments for a lack of community involvement really irks me, especially when the truth in these matters is very much the opposite. That being said, over the past month I’ve written about events and on-going affairs within various arms of the Toronto Blue Jays trying to enlighten anyone willing to read these posts. As someone who was born and raised in Toronto, I’ve seen the city change and become what it is today. Nothing from the time I was ten and playing baseball on local fields has been completely preserved and remains the same to this day, but there are some aspects of this city’s culture that will be enduring of change. What remains unvarying, are the youth within this city who eagerly take to local parks and green spaces to interact with one another throughout the summer months while engaging in fun, activities.

Growing up, my parents gave me every opportunity to try everything; every sport, club, and after-school or summer activity that I wanted, I could try. As the eldest of (what would be) three children, I watched as they did the same for my two siblings and still do, to this day. They encouraged every inclination I had to try new things and grow into who ever I wanted to be from a young age. Despite additions to the family over the years (siblings and a spoiled dog) their encouragement never changed and I continued to discover new opportunities as I got older.

For those of you who have followed from the beginning of this blog, you’re well aware of my fond memories of playing baseball at a young age. Those memories and moments, of which I speak fondly, are thanks to my parents who allowed me to be anything I wanted to be and try new things, regardless of the activity (dance was never truly my calling as I was a shy performer while wearing a leotard). I’ll never forget those mid-summer afternoons and the company I kept during championship games and early morning drives to practices on brisk spring mornings. The chance to be part of a team gave me the opportunity to learn how to be a supportive, reliable teammate to twelve other people and inadvertently taught me valuable life lessons. Sports in general act as a vehicle in teaching young athletes skills they will take with them, far beyond the field and apply them to their every day lives. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the experiences I gained thanks to the opportunities my parents gave me, doesn’t necessarily occur as naturally for others as it did for me and my siblings.

As part of their on-going initiatives within the community, Jays Care Foundation is once again partnering with Toronto Community Housing to execute Rookie League, a summer-long baseball day camp for kids who reside in Toronto Community Housing across the GTA. Rookie League presents kids ages seven to twelve, the opportunity to play baseball and be part of a team and learn life skills (like being a reliable teammate), an experience some may never have had otherwise. Let’s put this into perspective: Rookie League will impact over thirty communities across the GTA and over seven hundred kids will have the chance this summer to play baseball and receive instructional skills on the game and about life. As this city continues to expand and grow, the youth of this city should be recognized and given the opportunity to gain the skills and experiences that will make them an active part of this city as they grow.

In order for Rookie League to be successful, Jays Care holds an annual equipment drive which formally accepted only gently-used and new equipment and this year, Jays Care Foundation is making it easier for fans to donate equipment or personal donations. The equipment drive is held pre-game May 29th-30th, 2010 at Rogers Centre but donations can be made at any time online at www.bluejays.com/jayscare. The opportunity to gain experiences and like skills are invaluable to Toronto’s youth, so I urge you to consider helping Jays Care give kids the chance to learn and grow.