Kelowna91Ƶs Los Gatos Locos boxing gym isn91Ƶt currently your usual boxing gym.
Right now, wannabe boxers are training there for the opportunity to step inside a boxing ring and fight to make a difference in their community.
Owner and coach Geoff Lawrence has brought back 91ƵThree-Round Heroes91Ƶ to give people an opportunity to change their lives via boxing, and in turn support local outreach programs.
91ƵWe recruit men and women who have never boxed before in their lives, give them three months of training, and the whole time their training, they fundraise,91Ƶ said Lawrence.
The raised funds are then put back into the community to support recovery home programs at Ozanam House, Karis Support Society and Freedom91Ƶs door.
Over the past two years, more than $30,000 was raised and donated to help keep the doors open at the recovery homes.
The three-month training program is concluded with a celebration fight card between the 91Ƶthree-round heroes91Ƶ and professional amateurs.
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The event has now come full circle, as participant Joseph Dube, who was once in a recovery program, is now participating as an amateur boxer on this year91Ƶs fight card.
It was his way of giving back after receiving help last year.
91ƵFor me, it was a way to learn certain disciplines, and for me to challenge my anxieties and stress,91Ƶ said Dube.
91ƵThe type of work that Geoff and his team do, I91Ƶve seen them give so much of their time and energy in getting people to succeed, and that91Ƶs something that I want to be a part of.91Ƶ
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Lawrence and his team train the 91Ƶheroes,91Ƶ but as part of the fundraiser the gym donates time slots for men and women working with the outreach programs to come out and get boxing training.
Dube decided to enter the boxing world, and now he wants to pursue it further.
91ƵI definitely choose to fight as a way to give back, to show people my ability to push myself, and to show other people that they can do it too. It91Ƶs definitely a personal thing, but I91Ƶm seeing how far I can grow in the discipline of boxing,91Ƶ Dube said.
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This year91Ƶs event fight card will feature eight to 10 charity fights, and then a similar number of amateur fights.
Lawrence said the event was a sell-out the past two years, and the impact of his program has been felt within the community.
91ƵFor the recovering addicts, for the participants, I get calls from guys91Ƶ mothers that are thanking me from the bottom of their hearts. It91Ƶs crazy how big of an impact it91Ƶs had for both,91Ƶ said Lawrence.
91ƵGoing to keep donating and fighting for the community, because we care for our community, for as long as I91Ƶm here.91Ƶ
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The 91Ƶheroes91Ƶ are mid-training and the fight card is set for July 6 at the Rutland Centennial Hall.
Email Lawrence at geoffmadkatz@gmail.com for more information for tickets and donations.
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