Empowering Local Youth: Our Foundation’s Role within Community Groups

A number of Montreal organizations are making a real difference in the lives of young people through sports. The Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation is particularly proud to support the Montreal Community Cares Foundation (MCCF) and the GOAL Initiatives Foundation, both of which run hands-on programs that give local youth structure, support, and a sense of purpose.

While the MCCF’s Red Rush Academy focuses on basketball, its scope is much broader. Their full-year program blends athletics with academic support and leadership training. Kids get coaching, tutoring, and mentors who strongly encourage them to stay focused and finish school. MCCF also runs workshops, summer camps, and an annual Honour Roll Breakfast to recognize student success.

Says founder Denburk Reid, “Your support allows local youth, who need as much love and as much care as possible, to take part in our summer and leadership programs. We use sports and the youths’ passion to uplift them to be successful citizens in the community.

On June 15th, more than 100 Montreal kids and supporters laced up their sneakers for the MCCF’s Power of Sports Huddle 2025 Walkathon Fundraising Campaign. To learn more about MCCF, please visit their website at www.montrealcommunitycares.com

GOAL Initiatives, meanwhile, uses soccer to bring kids together and promote mental health. They run free clinics, organize youth tournaments, and have helped upgrade community fields for the benefit of all. Their programs are built on inclusion—kids of all backgrounds play side by side, with an emphasis on fun, confidence, and connection.

Founder Paul Desbaillets explains, “We create programs such as Kicking it Out that go into high schools, where we take 16 weeks with the kids to build their self-esteem, health and wellness.”

GOAL organized a soccer festival, tournament, and fundraiser on July 27 at Percival Molson Stadium in downtown Montreal. This family-friendly event was a hit with everyone—visit their website at www.goalinitiatives.org to learn more.

The Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation helps fund equipment, staff, coaching, outreach, and mentorship for both these groups as part of our broader mission to support youth mental health through sport.