Panther Cheer launched its season-long philanthropic campaign by raising over $3,000 for a non-profit health organization close to its heart.
The Richmond-based club sent two teams to participate in the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Panther Cheer co-founder Dawn Silver is a leukemia survivor, as is a little sister in one of its programs.
“This was for a very worth cause that is so close to our hearts here at Panthers,” said Stephanie Kennedy, the club’s other co-founder. “We truly believe our purpose at Panther Cheer is to nurture and develop amazing young people and last year we spearheaded an amazing year of giving back to our community.”
The club’s next event is a blood donor drive on Sunday, Nov. 21, organized and spearheaded by the Panthers Open team of athletes 17 and over. The goal is to bring out new donors in hopes they will become regulars.
“Children are talked to at school about ‘social responsibility’, ‘acts of kindness’ and ‘making a difference’ in the world but often they don’t quite know how to do this,” explained Kennedy.
“This is our opportunity at Panther Cheer to give our athletes a clear action plan and opportunity to do just that. We truly believe this will compliment all that we currently do around kids and developing their compassion, empathy, respect and kindness and we are excited to show them how it can be fun and rewarding.”
On Saturday, the club welcomes the community to its second annual Trunk or Treat event. The unique trick or treating experience is for kids 11 and under. The event takes place in the parking lot of Panther Cheer’s new home — #133-2771 Simpson Road — from 5-6 p.m.
