L.J. Pearson Foundation

 

 

The L.J. Pearson Foundation, headed by Larry Pearson and his son, Shawn, has made significant contributions to the betterment of Guelph over many decades. A multi-generational Guelph family, their impact in the world of sports and recreation in the Royal City has been felt through infrastructure projects such as splash pads, baseball diamonds, and improvements to the University of Guelph’s athletics facilities. As well, they have invested in the future of children and youth by supporting the Free to Grow Program, ensuring hundreds of kids have the opportunity to participate every year in the recreational activities of their choice.

"Our Foundation continues to support the Children's Foundation Free to Grow Program because we believe very strongly that funding kids to participate in sports and other recreational activities is an absolute necessity to promote better health, improved social skills and many other life lessons that they will need as they grow up." ~ Larry Pearson

As a life-long athlete and sports enthusiast, Larry knows first-hand the myriad of benefits children derive from participating in recreation and especially from being part of a team. “Playing on a team you learn real life-skills such as time management, responsibility, problem-solving, and people skills. Most importantly, you learn how to deal with failure. Life will always give you failures. Sports teach you to refocus and get up off the mat.”

Perseverance, resiliency, discipline, and teamwork are just some of the important attributes gained by kids participating in sports that will serve them well into their adult years. Because of generous supporters like the Pearson family through the L.J. Pearson Foundation, the opportunity for youth to play, to acquire much-needed skills, and to gain the tools they need for a successful future is within their reach.

Thank you to the L.J. Pearson Foundation for being part of the Children’s Foundation Free to Grow team. We couldn’t do it without you!

_{Adam Zamora & Jaime Neefs with Joy & Larry Pearson at the 2019 Around the World Gala}