I attended the grand opening of Palooka's Boxing Club here in Halifax.
This very special place, the brainchild of local entrepreneur and community hero Mickey MacDonald (no relation), has been built to make a difference.
This state of the art boxing club is designed to serve many, but is specifically targeting inner city youth. Palooka's will be a place that is welcoming, safe, respectful, clean, motivating, and challenging. Palooka's will be a positive and accessible alternative to substance abuse, crime, and violence. Palooka's through the sport of boxing will instill discipline in the mind, body, and soul.
Located in on Gottingen Street, in a renovated theatre, in an area with loads of potential but which has been in a slump for the last 20 years, Palooka's is sure to spark many great things to come.
Today’s opening was very inspiring. The people who spoke represented the amazing diversity of the community. They spoke sincerely about the potential positive impact the gym. They were amazingly consistent in their vision of what this could mean to the youth of Halifax.
The people behind this initiative, lead by Mickey MacDonald, stepped up big time to make a difference in their community. They are all examples of people who worked very hard to get where they are, and are now giving back again and again.
The work Mickey is doing is more than writing checks. His vision, drive, and ability to rally stakeholders to turn an old theatre into such a fantastic place is truly inspiring.
The website is just a place holder so far, but just wait till you see this place. Check it out for yourself by dropping in.
You will be inspired.
Dan MacDonald
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1049187.html
