Myles Mason took charge of the West Van Academy Month of Giving (December) and Teddy Bear Toss. With the support of parents as well as his Midget Prep teammates and those from the Elite 15 program, they collected 211 teddies for the North Shore Family Services Toy Shop from their Teddy Bear Toss Bantam Prep game. They also collected more than 200 pounds of food for the Harvest Project and raised an additional $500 for North Shore Family Services.
There’s a few reasons Mason was the right person for the job.
“Myles leads by example. He’s an ideal student-athlete in our program,” says Nathan Fischer, governor and owner of West Van Academy. “We are lucky to work with great kids. Myles certainly exemplifies the qualities of a student-athlete that we want to have in our Academy. His enthusiasm, engagement, dedication to this initiative – he made sure the event was well planned and executed.”
Mason, a Vancouver, BC product, thought the events were a great idea and felt they did a great job.
“It is always good to give back to the community, also to the less fortunate,” says the 17-year-old.
Mason took charge on the events because his parents taught him at a young age to give back.
“I’m at the age now where I think you have to do the right thing in life,” he says. “You have got to always give back to the less fortunate.”
He also felt the academy did a great job getting the community involved. The student-athletes got something in return from what they learned.
“Don’t take anything for granted. Everything you put your mind to, you have got to work hard for it. I think we showed a great deal of work ethic.”
Mason said those involved at the North Shore Toy Shop were surprised by the amount they brought in and were very appreciative. He was grateful for what they were able to give.
“We had a great response obviously from our families and student athletes and the supporters who came out,” says Fischer of the Teddy Toss. “Having this support shown by the overall community is fantastic.”