Nate Daniel grew up on the ball field. So when his grieving mother thought of ways to remember her late son and raise money for a foundation in his honour, a slo-pitch tournament came to fruition.
That was five years ago, and Nate's family and friends are once again gearing up for the tribute tourney this weekend in Aldergrove.
The event, which runs both Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, at Philip Jackman Park, is expected to raise several thousand dollars for the charity, as well as increase awareness for mental health and addiction.
Nate, who struggled with addiction, had been gifted a bed in a trauma therapy treatment centre located in Thailand in 2019, and the life 鈥渞eturned to his eyes,鈥� recalled his mom, Tiffany Daniel.
Sadly, when lock downs and isolation-related restrictions were placed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nate relapsed and and lost his life to the toxic drug supply on Jan. 28, 2021.
After his passing, the Nate D Foundation was formed and has since sponsored about a dozen people to attend trauma therapy in Thailand and many others to attend counselling locally.
To keep supporting others who are in similar situations to Nate, the foundation hosts not only the ball tournaments, but also celebrity fundraisers and poker tournaments throughout the year.
This weekend's tourney runs daily from 9 a.m., at the ball diamond at 3300 270 St. in Aldergrove. The event also includes a barbecue concession, beverage garden, and silent auction, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the foundation.
