Fight for Charity – Ali McDougall

Hello Everyone!

My name is Ali McDougall and I am so excited to be participating in the 2018 Fight For Charity in support of Pan Am Place!

I started boxing at the end of 2017 and instantly fell in love with it. It has become the perfect outlet for me, both psychically and mentally, to help me discover and reach my full potential and I am participating in the Fight for Charity for two reasons: First off, I am very much a goal oriented person and when the opportunity to participate in this event arose, I was in search of a new goal to work towards and was accepting of this challenge!

The second, and probably most important reason I am participating is because it is in support of Pan Am Place. When I first began boxing at Pan Am, I felt very welcomed in to their community. I felt like I had people looking out for me, helping me with my technique, teaching me new skills and pushing me to keep going when all I wanted to do was quit. Shortly after starting at Pan Am, I started to learn about Pan Am Place and what they do (see below!). I found out that many of the people who had supported me when I began boxing are current or past employees/volunteers, or are current or past residents and wanted to do something to thank them.

In the short time I have been boxing, it has really changed my life and my focus and I will forever be thankful for this discovery - this fight is the least I can do to give back.

The 2018 event will be held at the RBC Convention Centre on the 28th of April and will feature:

- 10 novice boxing matches

- Casino gaming

- Silent auction

- Raffles

- 50/50

Pan Am Place offers a transitional housing program for at-risk youth aged 18-29 who are experiencing, or at-risk of, homelessness. The program offers a supportive environment where youth learn about responsibility, community and discipline. Residents have more in common than just a troubled past, they share a desire to make lasting, positive change in their lives, and Pan Am Place helps them do it.

Many people living on the streets of Winnipeg first experienced homelessness as young adults. Some of them were raised around family conflict, in a group home environment, or in the foster care system. Others have spent time in jail, have suffered debilitating injuries, or struggle with mental health issues, but they all come from an unstable environment, and often haven’t been taught the social skills required for independent living. By helping, supporting, and providing housing to young people that need direction and assistance, we can break the cycle of homelessness before it takes hold of their lives.

Residents typically come from:

- Aging out of Child Family Services

- Federal, provincial or youth jail

- Homeless shelters

- Living on the street

- Escaping an unhealthy home

- Looking to move to the city from the reserve (often due to unhealthy home life)

I have a target of $5,000 personally for the event and any donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated!