A local jiu-jitsu academy is offering people the chance to practice their skills on the mat while also helping save the lives of countless children throughout the province.
On Sept. 23, Northwest Jiu-Jitsu Academy will be hosting its annual Roll for a Reason fundraiser, which is a grapplethon that collects money in support of the BC Cancer Foundation. This year, the money will specifically be going toward supporting childhood cancer research.
The event is open to people of all skill levels and ages, and will have three seminars given by black belt instructors, as well as a lunch sponsored by Mr. Mikes.
Entry to the event can be earned by fundraising, or by contributing $40 at the door. There is a fundraising goal of $15,000 for this year’s event, with more than $2,000 already being raised despite the event still being a week away.
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Perry Bateson, owner of Northwest Jiu-Jitsu Academy, said that he is expecting the event to be a huge success.
Bateson recently held yet another fundraising event for children at his gym, this time for proper conflict resolution when dealing with bullies.
“We had almost 50 kids at the bullying talk,” said Bateson, explaining that the event was able to raise quite a few donations to the Friends in Need Food Bank in Maple Ridge.
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Roll for a Reason will take place at Northwest Jiu-Jitsu Academy on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information is available by emailing familyfun@batesons.ca or calling 604-460-0046. Donations can be made by visiting www.bccancerfoundation.com/rollforareason.