WESTVILLE – The Westville Boxing Club is holding a fundraiser at the White Tail Pub on Feb. 3.
The club, which was started last summer by former pro boxer Aaron Kinch, offers boxing lessons at no charge. On any given night (classes are held twice each week), anywhere between 15 and 30 kids will show up.
Despite living off a disability pension, Kinch does not charge for his services and most of the rental fees at the Westville Recreation Centre – about $30 per night – are paid for out of his own pocket.
“It keeps them off the couch, keeps them active and happy,” Kinch said this week.
He added that he believes the sport is helping to improve the confidence and social skills of his young students.
“They come here, and now they’re growing up a little more.”
Cathy Urquhart’s seven-year-old son Mason started going to the club in November. He recently conducted a bottle drive and collected $310 to give to the club.
“It is a wonderful program which is offered to children ages five to 17 free of charge,” she said.
“No one is excluded on the basis of financial circumstances. My son, who is quite shy, loves the classes and they have really helped him to open up. It is so rare to find someone like Aaron who will sacrifice so much of himself to ensure no child is excluded.”
There will be a 50/50 draw and a silent auction at the Feb. 3 fundraiser, with three bands offering performances that will start at 9 p.m.: Stonehouse, East River Rats and Only Vultures Left.
Earlier in the day, some club members will do a boxing workout demonstration for those in attendance.
