Londoners will get a chance this Friday to take in a ball game while helping the London Abused Women's Centre.
Friday marks the 5th annual "Purple In the Park" game at Labatt Park. The joint effort between the London Majors and LAWC is aimed at bringing attention to the issue of men's violence against women.
The event is meant to bring attention to the LAWC, and their dedication to serving and advocating for abused women in the area.
Fabienne Haller, LAWC's fund development coordinator, says they appreciate the Majors' help.
“It was actually the Majors who contacted us, and wanted to learn more about us, and to possibly do a partnership,” says Haller, adding the Majors “were really interested in helping to raise awareness on the issue of women abuse through their own sporting event.”
The game appeals to more than just baseball followers, however, as the crowds have gone beyond Majors fans and advocates of the LAWC.
“Over the last few years, the two groups have increased and have kind of blended, which is awesome,” Haller says. “So you will now see the very strong London Major supporter coming out wearing purple in support of Purple In the Park and in support of the London Abused Women’s Centre, and vice versa, you see people who have always supported the London Abused Women’s Centre who might not have been participating in the local baseball events, and they’re coming out now. That’s really amazing.”
In addition to the game between the Majors and Burlington Bandits, other activites have been planned for fans. Youngsters will be able to run the bases and take part in the "Dizzy Bat Spin" and water balloon toss. There will also be face painting for children.
The Majors will be wearing special purple jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game to support LAWC.
More information can be found here.
**this story was written by Samuel Gallant. Samuel is a student in the Fanshawe College broadcast journalism program. He is performing a summer internship with Blackburn News.**