The Joe Kool’s Group Foundation: Going To Bat for London’s Youth
The Joe Kool’s Group Foundation: Going To Bat for London’s Youth
Many children are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as dance, music lessons, or baseball. Unfortunately, due to the cost of these activities, this is not the reality for all Londoners.
For more than 25 years, employees of Toboggan Brewing Company, Fellini Koolini's and Joe Kool’s, with owner Mike Smith have been giving back to their community by creating opportunities for London’s underprivileged youth to participate in sports.
In 2019 the group established a Donor-Advised Fund with LCF to increase both their ability to accept donations, and their capacity for giving.
“I came from humble beginnings. My parents worked hard, and always had time to spend with family. As kids we were fortunate to be able to grow up playing sports,” says Mike. “Over the years I observed other children who didn't have that same opportunity, which was extremely humbling.”
It was this upbringing that inspired Mike to begin giving back to the community.
“If there’s a child who’s showing a real interest or aptitude for a sport or the arts, but can’t afford to participate for financial reasons, we want to help give them that opportunity,” says Mike. “Someone like Damian Warner, who’s now an Olympic athlete.”
London native Damian Warner, an Olympic bronze medalist and record-holder in the decathlon, is just one of the many success stories that have resulted from organizations like the Joe Kool’s Group Foundation.
Raised by a single mother, Damian first began running track at the age of 17 at Montcalm Secondary School. Early in his athletic career, training and traveling to track meets was very costly, and the Joe Kool’s Group Foundation contributed to help cover these expenses.
“Joe Kool’s was one of the groups that were instrumental in getting me to where I am today,” says Damian. “What they did for me, and what they are doing for youth in the community is really special. Every kid deserves to experience the love of sports and the opportunity to follow their dreams.”
Rookie League
The Joe Kool’s Group Foundation partners with London & Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH) and London Police Service in running a six-week-long Baseball Rookie League every summer.
LMCH has seven family sites in the city, supporting more than 500 families. Those who call LMCH home are a diverse cross-section of London’s low-income population including families, seniors, adults, and new Canadians.
Rookie League is a program that gives children between the ages of 8-11 who live on these sites the chance to play an organized sport, be a part of a team, and have fun. Police officers volunteer to coach the teams, and various other community partners pitch in including the London Majors, Forest City Slow Pitch and Chorus Radio, to name a few.
“It’s an opportunity for marginalized youth to build positive relationships with the police, interact with peers in their community, and meet, through London Police Service, mentors and people that can inspire them,” says Tim Smuck, Community Development Manager, LMCH. “Rookie League not only promotes healthy activities, but it also gives the kids a reason to be proud of where they’re from, a neighbourhood that is constantly stigmatized.”
Rookie League participants with London Major Cleveland Brownlee
The Joe Kool’s Group Foundation plays a fundamental role in making sure this program continues each year as LMCH does not have the capacity to fund programs like these themselves. Without support from the Joe Kool's Group Foundation, many of these children would never have this opportunity.
“If you go out to these games, I can tell you that 99 per cent of these kids really cherish their Rookie League T-shirt and ball cap that Joe Kool’s provides for them,” says Constable Chris Golder, London Police Service. “That is such a big deal for them – that shirt and hat are their treasures.”
The 2020 season will be Constable Golder’s third running Rookie League.
“Being involved with Rookie League has been incredible and eye-opening for me,” says Constable Golder. “Probably one of the most impactful experiences that I’ve had was going into a community housing complex, dressed in a full police uniform, and having such great positive reception from people. It’s not the norm for sure.”
Police day with Officer Broughton and Koda
Some residents live with LMCH for many years, and sometimes multiple generations of a family will take part in Rookie League. It is something that everyone looks forward to each year, kids and parents alike. Even kids who age-out want to keep their involvement going by becoming volunteers or junior coaches. The impact that Rookie League has on people extends beyond childhood.
In 2019, the London Police Service received a letter from a past LMCH resident and Rookie Ball participant. The man, who lives in Edmonton, is now a firefighter for the Edmonton Fire Department and coaches baseball in his own community. He wanted to thank every past, current, and future participant and volunteer for their hard work and dedication, attributing his success to the Rookie League program.
With LCF’s flexible and strategic giving model, the Joe Kool’s Group Foundation has been able to expand their fundraising, continue sponsoring Rookie Ball every year, and support London’s less-fortunate youth, without ever touching their initial investment.
From Olympians to fire fighters, the Joe Kool's Group Foundation has shaped the lives of children throughout the community.
The impact a restaurateur and his dedicated employees can make through their generosity is truly inspiring.