Taekwondo Clubs Unite for Charity, Aiming to Raise $30,000

Local Taekwondo clubs held their annual fundraising event on March 15, 2024, to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. The event, known as Kicks4Kids, saw participants perform thousands of kicks in a single day to raise money for the charity. This year, the 4Point Taekwondo Club collaborated with three other clubs in Edmonton, including K.H. Min Taekwondo, Elite Taekwondo, and Spirit Taekwondo.

Participants sought pledges and donations based on their kicking performance, although many opted for flat-rate contributions due to the unpredictable nature of the event. “We tried to do a certain amount per kick, but it was hard to predict since some kids are doing like 20,000 kicks,” said Kevin Mejia, owner of 4Point Taekwondo. This year’s goal is to raise $30,000, significantly higher than the $16,000 raised in 2023.

The event took place in a basement gym, where approximately 70 participants gathered, though Mejia noted that attendance can rise to 200 when including members from the other clubs. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as participants kicked relentlessly, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Mejia added, “It brings everyone together to achieve a big goal.”

The physical challenge of the event was evident, with participants acknowledging the toll it took on their bodies. “They’re going to be sore; the stairs are going to be hard to get up,” Mejia remarked, acknowledging his own fatigue after completing over 5,000 kicks.

All proceeds from the pledges and donations will directly benefit the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, which provides crucial support for pediatric healthcare in the region. The collaborative effort among the Taekwondo clubs not only aims to meet their financial target but also strengthens community ties through shared goals and healthy competition.

As the event concluded, participants and organizers alike expressed pride in their contributions, underscoring the impact of their efforts on local children and families in need. The Kicks4Kids initiative exemplifies how sports can unite communities for a greater cause, inspiring future fundraising endeavors.