Teaming Up for Charities
The final score, however, didn’t matter as $3,500 was raised for KidSport Ontario – the Tinmen charity of choice, and Camp F.A.C.E.S, which the Fire Demons support.
Five dollars from the sale of each ticket to the Scotiabank Arena went to the charities thanks to a partnership with the Toronto Rock.
“It is about the funds going to those who need them the most,” said Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association (TPAAA) lacrosse chair and past president Const. David Sawyer. “They are the real winners.”
Toronto Police fields three lacrosse teams made up of Toronto Police officers and other First Responders from the Greater Toronto Area. They are supported by the TPAAA.
The Police Tinmen team competes in law enforcement tournaments across North America while the co-ed box lacrosse team plays in the Toronto Lightning Lacrosse league at Stephen Leacock Sports Complex on Sunday evenings.
Sawyer said the Tinmen, launched in 2005, met the Fire Demons for the first time at the last World Police & Fire Games.
“They won the silver and we got gold,” he said. “Ever since then, the Fire Demons have been our nemesis. We play a lot of charity games with them.”
Michael Gillan said his Fire Demons team enjoys the rivalry and competing in the sport.
“Lacrosse brings everyone together, it toughens you and keeps you active,” he said.
