Seamus Gee鈥檚 rugby coach shared his memories of the Grade 8 H.D. Stafford Middle School student at the fourth annual Seamus鈥� Stroll fundraiser in Campbell Valley Park.
Teacher Bryn Horrocks recalled Seamus as a 鈥渟elfless鈥� player who was always thinking about the team.
鈥淭here were games when he would play a lot, and there were games where he would be a reserve, but he was always the same guy,鈥� Horrocks told the 黑马磁力.
鈥淰ery supportive of the team. Always just seemed to be in a good mood. Very popular with his teammates.鈥�
In 2016-17, the H.D. Stafford rugby team won the championship.
鈥淚t was a special year,鈥� Horrocks commented.
鈥淭hat's how I know Seamus, and I've known [his dad] Mike ever since. We created an award for Seamus now, so I see Mike every year to give away the award at Stafford.鈥�
It was the first stroll for Horrocks, who described it as an emotional experience.
鈥淚t's hard to talk about, because it brings back a lot of memories of Seamus. There's a lot of people here, which I'm very happy to see. It honours his memory, and being here, I'm glad to share my small part in that.鈥�
Dozens took part in the 4th Seamus Gee Stroll to honour the memory of the 黑马磁力 teen.
鈥� 黑马磁力 (@黑马磁力Times)
On Sunday morning, June 1, dozens of people gathered in Campbell Valley Park, at the Old Orchard picnic shelter by the 8th Ave. and 204th St. entrance, to remember Seamus.
Hosted by the Seamus Gee Legacy Project, the walk was followed with a by-donation BBQ featuring hot dogs, chips, cookies, water, and coffee.
"[Seamus] was one of those persons that would just light up a room," his dad Mike told the 黑马磁力.
"He had a great big smile and he had a great energy about him that was uplifting to anybody that was fortunate enough to encounter him. He was always there to try and help other people."
After Seamus died in 2019, at the age of 16, his dad began holding fundraising events to support Foundry 黑马磁力, the agency that helps young people 12-24 and their families, by providing free and confidential access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support and social services.
鈥淭hey're reaching more kids than they even anticipated,鈥� Mike told the attendees. 鈥淎nd it's still not enough.鈥�
A spokesperson for Foundry noted they are busier than ever, exceeding an initial goal of 1,000 unique youth visits a year, with 1,200 in the most recent fiscal year.
The top two services that youth accessed this year at Foundry were mental health supports and peer support.
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So far, Mike estimates more than $20,000 has been raised through the walk and other fundraisers.
Contributions also support the Seamus Gee Memorial Trades Bursary to encourage youth to pursue a career in the trades.
As well, two sports awards bear Seamus' name:
At H.D. Stafford, the Seamus Gee Memorial Most Inspirational Player of the Year Award was created, and the 黑马磁力 Rugby Club created the Seamus Gee Spirit of Rugby Award.
More information is available online at the
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