Locals lace up for first annual charity boxing match in Kelowna

KELOWNA – Close to two dozen members of the community will step into a boxing ring next month to raise money for United Way.

Amateur boxers from all walks of life have signed on and begun training for three two-minute rounds in front of a black tie crowd at the Laurel Packinghouse Nov. 3.

CEOs, developers, leaders in business and two local chefs will lace up the gloves and go toe-to-toe to support critical services for men in the community.

Participants are given eight weeks to train and must raise money on their own via fundraising websites. At 6 p.m. Nov. 3, 22 members of the community will entertain more than 250 guests who also enjoy a night of food and wine.

United Way executive director Shelley Gilmore says the event is modeled after a very successful fundraiser held in Victoria.

"We want this event to support and give back to the men in our community. United Way is committed to addressing poverty-related issues and to building stronger, healthier, more inclusive communities,” she says. “Ensuring that key supports are available in the areas of mental health, parenting, addictions, violence and restorative justice as well as youth engagement and education to strengthen families and the future of our children.”

Former city councillor Angela Reid-Nagy is one of those who have been training hard for the event. She shares a personal connection to the cause on her fundraising page, where she has raised more than $1,000 of her $2,500 goal.

“Knowing you're in my corner will not only help ensure that I don't get my butt kicked, but will also mean so much to the men in the community, young and old, who are in need of services and programs,” she says. “Some of you may know that I have a close family member who has been on the edge. I can only imagine how it would feel if he lost his way, and am comforted to know that there are organizations at the ready for those who need extra support. If you want to see me attempt to preserve my dignity by not losing my match, I'd love to see you at the event.”

Tickets for the event and a complete list of participants are available at the Boxing For Community website.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.