New West native Justin Morneau may be playing in the big leagues, but he hasn’t forgotten his hometown.
Morneau, a free agent who most recently played with the Colorado Rockies, has made a $35,000 donation to the New Westminster chapter of KidSport. The four-time All Star and 2006 American League Most Valuable Player downplays his donation.
“I didn't do this to receive attention,” he said in a press release, “but if it can inspire others to donate or help out with charitable causes then I guess it's worth the media attention.”
Morneau’s donation means KidSport New West can help more than 100 local children get off the sidelines and into registered sports.
“Justin’s donation comes at a time when we really needed it,” said Jen Arbo, the group’s registrar. “KidSport New West has seen a significant rise in number of families applying for funding. In 2015, we saw a 33 per cent increase in total value of grants given out compared to 2014. So far this year, we are on track to see a similar increase. In January 2016 alone we have given out just under $6,000.”
KidSport is a national not-for profit organization providing financial assistance to help kids aged 18 and under register for sports.
“Justin’s commitment to New Westminster and getting more kids involved in organized sports is admirable, to say the least,” said Sandon Fraser, chair of the KidSport New West committee. “He is, to put it simply, a great guy: someone to look up to, whose involvement is motivating to both athletes and the community. And all of the money goes directly to provide grants to kids in New Westminster who want to play sports. We couldn’t be more grateful for this donation.”
It’s not the first time the 34-year-old professional athlete has helped out programs in his hometown. In 2010, Morneau and his wife Krista contributed an undisclosed sum of money toward the multipurpose room in the new New Westminster Youth Centre and in 2011, he took part in the Justin Morneau and Friends Charity Bowling Event, which raised money for the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society. Morneau has also made donations to New Westminster Little League, where he got his start in baseball.
