John Ditz is a local hockey coach of the Halton Hills Under 16 Teams 3/4. With current restrictions only allowing 10 players on the ice and no games, John wanted to find a way to bring his players together and build community spirit. John and his wife Jennine also happen to run a Foundation called I Have Resolve.
According to their website “The I Have Resolve Foundation provides awareness, education and works in support of inclusion for anyone who faces a physical, social or cognitive challenge. Our goal is to promote shared opportunities in order to bridge the gap between those with and those without disabilities. We believe in a mindset of we all belong. In belonging we live, work and play together in order to grow, show each other respect and kindness.”
The couple started the foundation in memory of their son, Jason, who lost his battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in July 2013. Jason lived his life by the motto, “I Have Resolve”. And his parents carry that motto forward through their foundation whose cornerstones are inclusion, kindness, friendship and awareness.
In that spirit, they decided to hold a gaming fundraiser. Each participating player will game for 18 hours starting at noon on December 27 to raise funds. A moderator is in place and a schedule will be set up to move players through various games like Call of Duty and Minecraft.
A recipient was selected from personal stories submitted by the team and their parents. Christina Hunter McCauley submitted a family friend, a boy named Finnley.
Finnley goes to all the team’s games in his hometown of Barrie. He is 4 years old and globally developmentally delayed. His mom, Lorrie Rimmer, is fundraising for a platform swing for their local park. “He doesn’t speak or walk but he can crawl!” Lorrie tells Acton UP. “We use a wheelchair, stroller or harness walker at the park.” While she can lift him now, a platform swing ensures that Finnley, and kids like him, will be able to play independently as they grow.
High school students who are participating and fundraising will receive 18 volunteer hours for their participation. Currently 19 are signed up. If you, or someone you know, would like to participate email Jennine@ihaveresolve.ca (or john@). If you would like to support this effort you can donate at www.ihaveresolve.ca.
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