Martial arts instructors from all over B.C. came to Mission on the weekend to teach students and help collect food for kids in need.
The fourth annual BudoFest took place at Mission’s Canadian Martial Arts Academy on Railway Avenue and more than 30 students signed up to take part in the “intense” training event.
“Some of the instructors are there to put a good, hard workout on them. It’s like a boot camp. People who attend know they are there for a workout,” said Shihan Christopher Ginter, organizer of the yearly fundraiser.
After two hard days of training, the instructors graded several of the students
“Four of my students upgraded to a blackbelt, said Ginter proudly.
Overall, he said the martial arts event had to be considered a success.
“It was good. We had a fairly good turnout and we raised some much needed food.”
Everyone who attended brought a backpack with three healthy meals inside.
“We got about 35 full backpacks and a whole bunch of loose food so I’d call it a success.”
He said the food has been donated to Mission Central School for students who attend the breakfast and lunch program.
The backpacks are given to the children on Fridays so they have nutritious meals throughout the weekend.
Ginter has donated proceeds of past events to the local food bank, but thought this year he’d support the school program.
He enjoys giving back to the community.
“I’m just trying to do the right thing.”
