Fight for Charity – Megan McManes

Teacher, rugby player, and now, boxer!

I am so happy to officially announce that I will be participating in the 2^nd annual Fight for Charity. As anyone who knows me can tell you, I’m always up for a challenge, and I can’t see a better reason to challenge myself then raising money for a good cause. Last year, this amazing event raised more than $20,000 for The Red Cross. This year it is being held in support of Pan Am Place, and I couldn’t be more excited to take part.

As a teacher, nothing matters more to me than setting kids up for success. I want to see everyone have the chance to live their best life no matter where they come from. Unfortunately, life circumstances are often a pretty huge mountain to overcome. Knowing there are programs like Pan Am Place to help young men bridge the gap if they start to fall through the cracks is something I am extremely grateful for. It’s worth every last bruise, drop of sweat and ounce of effort that goes in to getting ready for this event.

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

- 12 novice boxing matches

- Casino gaming

- Silent auction

- Raffles

- 50/50

If you think you’d be interested in watching me duke it out at the actual event, send me a message! Nothing says support like watching your friend or family member eat a couple of punches for a good cause.

A little more on Pan Am Place:

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, and there are many reasons these young men end up in a difficult place. 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.

Training is underway! I have a target of $2,000 personally for the event, so please donate and help me support this amazing cause.