Before and After

January 20, 2010
New Look for Braefoot in 2010

After serving the Braefoot Community Association as Executive Director for six years, Kevin Schubert has decided to leave Braefoot to pursue other career opportunities. In his absence, the association has partnered with Lee Richardson of Sportball Victoria to manage the facility and develop a new program schedule. Sportball is a non competive sport program for children ages 16 months up to 10, a perfect compliment to Braefoot's mandate of providing opportunities for youth.

Not only will the office have a new look this year, the association has made it's number one priority for 2010 the renovation of the Braefoot Activity Centre and possible expansion. The facility was completed in 1986 and since has undergone a few additions. The 24 year old building is beginning to show it's age and users are expressing a need for more space. The Braefoot Acitivity Centre is home to the Community Inclusion program, Westcoast Academy of Performing Arts, Lakehill Soccer, Saanich Lacrosse and now Sportball Victoria.

July 20, 2009
Braefoot Completes New Multi Purpose Sport Surface

The Braefoot Park lacrosse box in Saanich has been resurfaced with an interlocking-tile multipurpose sport surface. The polypropylene surface will increase the use of the facility for year round activities including lacrosse, basketball and futsal soccer. 18,000 square feet of tiles were laid by 15 volunteers over 5 and half hours. To recognize the completion of the project, Braefoot will host a grand opening this Thursday at 11:00am with special guests in attendance including:

• The Honorable Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport, MLA for Oak Bay - Gordon Head
• Susan Brice, Saanich Councilor and acting Mayor
• Cliff LeQuesne, 100.3 the Q
• Nico Craveiro, former Canadian National Futsal Team member and Vancouver Whitecap
• Nick Inch, Victoria Shamrocks and the Minesota Swarm
• Alex Campbell, owner of the Victoria Highlanders Football Club

This project was in part thanks to a matching grant the Braefoot Community Association received from the Provincial Government in March of this year.

“Children who participate in sports often do better in school, have better interpersonal skills, are more team oriented, and are generally healthier,” said Healthy Living and Sport minister Ida Chong. “The new Braefoot Park multipurpose court offers the children of Saanich an opportunity to socialize and have fun with their friends in an active and healthy environment.”

“Braefoot has a philosophy that the more positive activities our youth are involved in, the less time they have to be influenced by negative ones,” said Braefoot chair, Jim Tighe. “Our volunteer board believes this new surface will create an exciting atmosphere and entice our youth to get out and play in a fun and safe facility.”

The state-of-the art floor surface from Sport Court International is similar to the popular court that was built a few years ago at Central Park near the Crystal Pool in Victoria. The floor will have lines for lacrosse, basketball and futsal soccer.

“The community is going to love this new surface as it reduces the potential for injuries and impact on the athlete’s joints,” said Sport Court International partner, Rob Paton.

The Braefoot Community Association has been in operation for 22 years. The association has a goal of enabling youth to participate in activities that promote positive lifestyles which contribute to healthy communities.

April 7, 2009
"Operation Delta" a Success! - Darcy off to find a diagnosis

The Braefoot Community Association is excited to announce Darcy Ablak is off to Denver Colorado this Friday in hopes to find a diagnosis. Over $12,000 was raised from a variety of fundraisers and individuals. Combined with the support of MSP agreeing to cover medical expenses, Darcy will finaly be able to attend the National Jewish Health Centre in Denver where he hopes to finally find a diagnosis for his condition.

A real big thank you to all those who contributed and we look forward to announcing a successful visit for Darcy in the near future.

Click here for more information about Operation Delta.

April 7, 2009
Braefoot receives matching Gov't funds for new multipurpose sports surface

The Braefoot Community Association has received $61,000 from lottery and casino revenues to add a new multipurpose sport surfacing the Braefoot lacrosse box. In addition, the association intends to add new basketball hoops and introduce the first official Futsal Soccer court to the lower island. More exciting announcements regarding this project coming soon!

February 18th, 2009
Braefoot supports new bike park on Saanich Peninsula

The Braefoot Community Association as part of it's new mission is partnering with quality youth programs which provide opportunities for youth to be active. North Saanich Freeride Park is among the newest partners to provide youth opportunities to get out and be active.

For more information on the bike park, visit http://freeridebc.blogspot.com/. To make a donation to the Bike Park project, please contact the Braefoot office.

Cheques should be made out to Braefoot Community Association along with a note indicating your support of this project. A charitable receipt will be issued upon receipt of your donation.

January 22th, 2009
Braefoot introduces new vision for 2009 to encourage youth to live active lifestyles

The Braefoot Community Association has set an ambitious goal to make a real impact in 2009 on youth. The philosopy behind their new mission is that the more positive activities our youth are involved in, the less time negative influences have to make an impact. Ultimately this leads to healthier communities and not just in the physical sense. The association aims to partner with programs with similar philosophies to promote a large selection of opportunities for youth to lead active lifestyles. On top of this, the association will award weekly "Active in the Community" awards to youth who exemplify this philosophy and to those who express how they wish to. Winners will receive free registration into one of Braefoot's or one of their Partners' programs.

Great new updates and announcements will be happening regularly throughout the year so please check back soon.

January 22th, 2009
Braefoot supports "Operation Delta" with aim to raise funds for diagnosis of Darcy Ablak's condition

Darshan ‘Darcy’ Ablak suffers from Severe Asthma – Cause is Undiagnosed

Spring 2008
Darcy nearly died from complications relating to medications that reduce the effects of his severe asthma. As a result of these complications, Darcy developed myopathy, muscular atrophy, and diaphragm paralysis. His recovery is still ongoing.

Fall 2008
Darcy again suffered from his asthmatic condition and was placed in the hospital for two extended periods of time.

Winter 2008
Darcy’s was again hospitalized due to his asthmatic condition possibly aggravated by the extreme stress of losing his father, Sanjay Ablak, to a tragic event on December 8th, 2008 in downtown Victoria.

Operation Delta
"Operation Delta" is the name given to our campaign to raise funds for Darcy's medical diagnosis.

Winter 2009
Through the establishment of ‘Mission Possible,’ created to raise funds for Darcy, it is hoped that we can raise $20,000 in order to have him diagnosed at North America’s premiere respiratory/pulmonary research facility, the Jewish National Health Centre in Denver, CO.

To make a donation to Braefoot for this cause, please contact us
For more information, visit www.missionpossible.me