Montreal

DJs organize Little Burgundy basketball fundraiser

People in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighbourhood came together this weekend to raise money for kids whose families struggle to afford team sports for them.

Groups seeks to help kids from low-income households who are sometimes shut out of team sports due to cost

The tournament took place Saturday with participants paying $25 each to play. (Navneet Pall/CBC)

People in Montreal's Little Burgundy neighbourhood came together this weekend to raise money for kids whose families struggle to afford their team sports.

On Sunday, a charity basketball tournament organized by members of the DJ collective Thug Mansion Family took place in Oscar Peterson Park.

Each participant paid $25 and proceeds went to the Thug Mansion Family Sports Foundation.

Organizer Nate Husser said some parents in the neighbourhood don't have room in their budget for sports fees. (Navneet Pall/CBC)
One of the organizers, Nate Husser, said the money it takes to enrol a child in sports is more than many people can afford.

"It's a low-income housing area, so many parents don't have a job, [are] on welfare, or just can't afford to pay that extra $200 that they need," Husser said.

Another organizer, Kadeem Boyce, said he grew up playing sports and sees it as something that can open doors for kids from low-income households.

"I have a few friends in that category who feel sports is their only way out," Boyce said.

"So they choose to play sports and hopefully it gets them a free education."

About 60 people came out to show their support.

Organizer Kadeem Boyce grew up playing sports in and around Oscar Peterson Park. (Navneet Pall/CBC)