Day-to-day living might be a lot different since the pandemic began, but the generosity of the Fraser Surrey Steel Gate team hasn’t changed a bit. Each year, the employees of the Steel Gate form a slow pitch softball team with the purpose of playing in fundraising-focused tournaments. For the past three years they have partnered with Amalgamated Trading, one of Canada’s top steel importers, for their yearly slow-pitch softball tournament benefitting BC Children’s Hospital (BCCHF).
This year, the tournament was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, but that didn’t stop the Steel Gate’s philanthropic spirit. Knowing that BCCHF relies heavily on funds raised by annual events such as the slow pitch tournament, Shaun and Mike Fenton decided to spearhead an alternative fundraising campaign. Their slow pitch team raised $10,000: $7,000 was raised through a raffle and the other $3,000 was raised by recycling leftover steel from the gate.
With the initial $10,000 raised, Shaun contacted Bill Miller, the owner of Amalgamated Trading and suggested a donation match – which Bill agreed to immediately. Sean then reached out to DP World Canada, who also agreed to a donation match—bringing the total donation to $30,000.
BC Children’s Hospital is an organization close to many people’s hearts – including Amalgamated Trading’s Bill Miller. The donation specifically supports research and technology for hip replacement surgeries—a procedure Miller’s grandson underwent, enabling him to walk again. In addition, BC Children’s Hospital provides expert health care, including mental health care, for the most seriously ill or injured children across British Columbia.
It’s amazing to witness the creative ways in which our employees and partners are responding to hurdles presented by COVID-19. Special shout-outs to Kevin Wilson and Warren Nakashima who led the recycling of the steel and Roxanne Felton who through her work at Fraser Surrey Customer Service got the Steel Gate involved with the tournament.