Metro Toronto Wildcats establish Tyson Bailey Aid Fund

It is the mission of the Metro Toronto Wildcats (MTW) to break down barriers to participate in the sport of football for the underprivileged youth of Toronto. Through such participation, the team hopes to build confidence and develop strong, positive friendships, and to provide a clear alternative to some of the more negative influences that seem rampant in some pockets of our city. Many of the young athletes also become better students and many pursue football and educational opportunities after high school. MTW remains firmly committed to breaking down financial barriers to participation in our sport. The Wildcats need the help of the community to do more.

With this in mind, MTW, Ed Babin and Cathy Rober established the S.O.S. Aid Fund in 2012. The three Babin boys have benefited from the program and Ed and Cathy have each volunteered in various capacities for many years.

The Babin family has made an initial donation of $10,000.00, which must be matched through fundraising initiatives. The commitment has been made to continue with this base donation for at least a five year period. The fund is to be used to assist MTW players from families in financial need and who meet a set of pre-conditions. The intent is to provide financial aid to players who demonstrate a strong character, as well as responsibility and dedication to the MTW program and their community.

One boy who the Wildcats hoped would play for their team this year was Tyson Bailey. He was a 15 year old Central Tech student and Regent Park resident as well as a great kid whose eyes lit up at the prospect of playing for the Wildcats. He would have jumped at and made the most of the opportunity.

Tragically, Tyson was shot and killed on January 18th. The Wildcats family has expressed their sadness and deepest condolences to his family, friends and his circle of support. The organization hopes to do more.

The S.O.S fund is intended to help kids like Tyson. In fact, although the fund was conceived before his death, the Wildcats have met with the family and with their blessing have renamed it the “Tyson Bailey Aid Fund”. Tyson was going to be an important figure in his community and the Wildcats hope with this initiative he still will be.

The fund will be managed by a separate board comprised of Ed Babin, Cathy Rober, Carla Titizian and two members of the MTW board.

For more information on how to donate to the Tyson Bailey Aid Fund please go to the following link: http://torontowildcats.com/football/tyson-bailey-aid-fund-in-place-to-help/