Skip to content

Soccer fans in Cornwall raise hundreds for Agapè Centre

  • by

Article content

The Agouzoul family were among several dozen people who dropped in at an official viewing party to cheer on Canada’s men’s soccer team in its 2022 World Cup group-stage game against Croatia on Sunday.

Advertising 2

Article content

Although father Said Agouzoul appeared concerned after Canada fell behind at halftime – and would eventually be eliminated in its 4-1 loss – he and other visitors to the Benson Center activity room were happy the event would be a win for the city’s food bank.

Elite Development Cornwall owner Sean Campbell organized the viewing party, and said Canada’s participation in the 2022 World Cup presents great opportunities for the community, as well as his soccer development and academy for youth under 18.

“A viewing party I thought would be a great way to collect donations for the Agapè Food Bank, and at the same time enjoy Canada’s first (men’s) World Cup (appearance) in 36 years,” said Campbell.

“We want to raise as much as possible,” he said of the viewing party’s goal, which received local support from Emard Bros. Lumber and Spicy Pearl restaurant. The two businesses pledged matching $50 each for any goal Canada scored.

Advertising 3

Article content

Combined with individual pledges and the raffle, the event raised $396 for Agapè Centre. The Agapè Center is at its greatest need to serve the less fortunate residents through the winter season, and the viewing party was one of several events held recently to solicit donations.

The previous day, people were invited to load up an ambulance with Cornwall-SDG Paramedics at the Brookdale Avenue Food Basics location.

Campbell also received prizes to give away and to sell, from Soccer Canada, Frito-Lay, and The Voyageurs, the public support arm for the national team.

Campbell said moving forward, Canada’s international success bodes well

“Now is the time about building culture in the country about soccer. It’s something we can all get behind and get excited about,” he said. “It’s going to raise the quality of awareness. We’re going to see more kids interested in going out to play, interested in watching (soccer) more on TV.

“And hopefully going to see more kids picking it up as a sport in comparison to other sports they are playing.”

Advertisement 1

Comments

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encouraging all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.