From Equipment to Empowerment: Get Involved in the 2025 Pass it Forward Fundraising Campaign! 

When a child has access to quality equipment, it transforms their experience of the game. They can have fun, their confidence grows, their energy shifts, and sometimes, a spark ignites into a passion. 

That’s the opportunity the Maverick Youth Opportunities Fund (MYOF) is committed to creating for young people in Ottawa. 

To make this vision a reality, MYOF is proud to launch its second annual Pass It Forward campaign. Running from November 15 to December 31, the campaign aims to raise $25,000 to equip 10 youth organizations and schools in underserved communities with essential volleyball gear – balls, bags, kneepads, and carts. Together, we can give these programs the tools they need to inspire and empower the next generation. 

“MYOF receives numerous requests for used or new volleyball equipment to help a school team or community program that has limited resources,” said Sheila Roy, chair of MYOF. “Having quality equipment is key to engaging youth in physical activity, and it may even spark a passion for a sport that will not only keep them active and challenged, but also build important characteristics such as teamwork, communication, goal setting, leadership, and overall health and wellbeing.”  

MYOF will create packages that will include 12 new volleyballs, 24 pairs of kneepads, a ball bag and a ball cart to give these programs a head start to introduce or enhance their community or school volleyball program. Furthermore, MYOF will also work with the Maverick Volleyball Club to deliver free volleyball workshops, giving kids the chance to try the game for the first time or build on the skills and excitement they already have. If youth would like to continue to play, MYOF will empower them by providing financial assistance programs to ensure that the financial barriers never stand in the way of joining a Learn to Play program. 

How You Can Help 

Every dollar counts – help us to reach $25,000 by December 31. To donate, go to  https://maverickyouthfund.ca/donate.  

For Government of Canada employees, you can also donate through the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) as a one-time donation or payroll deduction! Search Maverick Youth Opportunities Fund on the ePledge website to donate.  

Some employers may also match donations – ask today to see if you can amplify your impact!  

If you know of a primary or secondary school or community program that needs some equipment, please let us know! Contact us at partnership@maverickyouthfund.ca. 

Background: This initiative is building on a successful partnership between MYOF and Gloucester High School in February 2025, that provided volleyball equipment to a girls’ volleyball team that had no budget to provide their team with adequate volleyball equipment. For more information about this program, go to https://maverickyouthfund.ca/a-partnership-with-lasting-impact/