On Saturday March 21st, Spirit of the Stick will introduce themselves to lacrosse fans in southern Ontario.  And they have their friends at the Toronto Rock to thank for the opportunity.

The Rock takes on their divisional rivals, the Rochester Knighthawks, at 7 pm at the ACC.  And Spirit of the Stick will be on hand with information and to raise some funds for this recently incorporated not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to using lacrosse to create a positive, empowering experience for communities in need in an atmosphere that is inclusive, supportive, and safe.  The goal is simple:  to provide vulnerable children and adolescents with an opportunity to grow emotionally, physically, psychologically and spiritually through Canada's first national sport, lacrosse.
Members of the committee, founding members and friends, including co-chair Jim Veltman, will be on hand throughout the main concourse to provide information and to sell buttons & wristbands to help support projects.  A silent auction will be held inside Gate 1 and will include lacrosse related jerseys, equipment,  tickets and team clothing, as well as gift baskets.  DOVE 2009, has donated a pair of their commemorative jerseys for their event, scheduled for June 12 & 13, 2009 ( www.laxdove.ca <http://www.laxdove.ca> ).  And a traditional wooden lacrosse stick, handmade by Delby Powless Sr., has been donated by the Powless Lacrosse Store.
Various friends of Spirit of the Stick will be recognized at the game, including Les' Fund, who will present a cheque prior to the game which is the result of their Toronto Rock scarf sales this season. John Jacobs, a talented Haudenosaunee artist who created the logo, will be a guest of Spirit of the Stick as well.

"Our friends in the lacrosse community have really stepped up to help us, now that they know what it is we want to accomplish with Spirit of the Stick.  We are, to say the very least, humbled by their generosity" said Jim Veltman.
Veltman added, "If the success of our first two projects, thanks to our volunteers and friends, is any indication, we will have all the support we need to fulfill all our lofty goals".
Spirit of the Stick recently completed the first part of the very first clinic, at The Native School of the Toronto District School Board, in partnership with Beaches Minor Lacrosse.  
"If the smiles on the faces at our last session were any indication, we have started something that will make a difference in not just the lives of the children who participate but for their families as well; and our volunteers."

For more information about Spirit of the Stick, visit www.spiritofthestick.com <http://www.spiritofthestick.com> or contact Christine J. Kurt, Co-Chair (905)764-1005/ info@spiritofthestick.com <mailto:info@spiritofthestick.com> .