CFL.ca
Justin Dunk
Ticats.ca
Justin Medlock’s left foot provided over 100 under privileged children the opportunity to get a new pair of shoes, courtesy of his ‘Kicks for Kids’ campaign, which raised over 6,000 dollars during the 2011 regular season. For each field goal Medlock hit beyond 40 yards at Ivor Wynne Stadium this year, Carmen’s donated 100 dollars per yard towards the ‘Kicks for Kids’ program. Medlock hit 13 of his 14 field goal attempts from 40 yards or longer, his only miss from that distance came on Friday July 29 against Montreal.
“I only missed one kick at home, it was a 53 yarder, that could have been another 13 pairs, but overall I was pretty happy with this whole season,” Medlock said. “Overall we had a ton of 40 yard kicks and it was good to help these kids out.”
Carmen’s president P.J. Mercanti, who was an instrumental piece of the program, was on hand at the Reebok store in Mississauga where the kids came to pick up their new pair of sneakers.
“Carmen’s is a big supporter and fan of the Tiger-Cats, so it’s important for us to give back to the Cats and to give back to the community,” he said.
“We were so proud of Justin this year, some of his kicks were tremendous at Ivor Wynne. We were happy that every time he kicked a good 45 or 50 yarder we knew that so many kids would be getting new shoes because of that – it was an honour for us to be a part of this program this year.”
It was the fourth year for the ‘Kicks for Kids’ program and, with the help of Medlock and his accurate and booming left leg, it was the most successful year to date for the program.
“Carmen’s has been involved in this program since it’s inception, they have spent thousands and thousands of dollars over the last few years making sure that a lot of kids in Hamilton who wouldn’t normally get new shoes have a great Reebok product on their feet,” said Mark Bowden, Ticats Vice President of Community Affairs, Partnerships and Developments.
The children were bused from Hamilton to Mississauga and flooded the Reebok store, located at 6055 Mavis road, on Tuesday evening with anticipation of not only finding a brand new pair of shoes, but a chance to meet Medlock, one of the best kickers in the CFL.
“The impact that this program has on these kids is something we will never see. It’s a ripple effect and is immeasurable,” Janyce Robinson, Director of Marketing, Communications and Special events for the United Way, said.
“It’s a wonderful win-win-win program. It solidifies our partnership with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and of course Carmen’s is a true friend of the United Way. It allows these children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to have a new pair of shoes to come out and do that. You can see the smiles on their faces.”
“We love to see kids in this type of an environment, having fun enjoying themselves. It’s an amazingly rewarding experience,” Mercanti added.
Medlock took time to ensure each and every child found a pair to their liking.
“It’s good to see these kids having fun and they’re excited to have a new pair of shoes,” he said. “They thanked me afterwards and that meant a lot.”
