To the Comox Valley and all supporters of Basketball Worldwide,
In the true spirit of christmas, on December 19th/2008, I was able to have the most gratifying experience of my life. With over 200 pairs of running and basketball shoes donated by our generous community the Comox Valley. Ben Compton ( Head of NGO We International) and I headed to Smokey mountain, Manila, Philippines. Rightfully named Smokey Mountain this landfill that is habitated by over 250 families and 4500 people is constantly on fire as garbage, rubbish and anything you can imagine is burned off. The pictures above are of the youth that attend the Youth Centre established to rid the cycle of poverty within Smokey Mountain. Watching these kids delicately snatch their new pair of shoes with a smile stretched across their faces was inspiring to say the least. Signing autographs, giving hugs and shaking hands. It was not hard to realize who the real heroes on this day were. Ben and I were very blessed to experience this and it was made possible by the all the generosity shown within the Comox Valley and Scotty Mac Basketball Camp participants and parents.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Scott Mackinnon
