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THE DESK OF MIKE HAYAKAWA.. That same night, the Waxers intend to score a big goal for Joshua Franey. A 15-year-old Markham resident and Grade 10 student at Markham District High School, Franey is in the process of recovering from a life-threatening brain injury, diagnosed as arteriovenous malformation, which he incurred June 29.
Hearing of this news, the Waxers want to do their part to be good citizens within the community and offer whatever assistance they can. And in the Nov. 24 contest, the Waxers hope to fill the seats at Centennial Arena and donate proceeds to Franey and his family. "What we'd like to do is to support a young guy who's going through a traumatic experience," said Waxers owner Don Bremner, who was first approached about assisting the Grade 10 Markham District High School student during the Markham Festival. We think this is a really good cause and we're here to help the community." In filling the seats at Centennial Arena, Bremner is optimistic the club could raise anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. The Waxers will also be receiving a helping hand that night from several individuals.
Among those scheduled to appear are Toronto Maple Leafs forward and former Markham resident Steve Thomas and Joe Bowen, a Markham resident and long-time voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Bremner was quick to point out that Franey's favourite player on the Maple Leafs is Thomas. Several members of Canada's Olympic team will also be on hand including Unionville resident Mathieu Turgeon, who won a bronze medal in the inaugural men's trampoline event. Joining Turgeon will be his Skyriders Trampoline teammate Karen Cockburn, who was the women's bronze medalist in the trampoline event, and their coach, Dave Ross. Ken Pereira, another Unionville resident and member of the Canadian men's Olympic field hockey team, will also be on hand. Thomas, Bowen and the Olympic performers will be present for the pre-game ceremonies and throughout the evening to sign autographs with proceeds going directly to Franey and his family. Conducting a fundraiser of this nature is not new to the Waxers as Bremner pointed out the club did some charity work in 1995 and 1996 in assisting people within the community who were in need. Game time is set for 8 p.m.
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