JASON COLERO
Toronto Argonauts Manager, Community Relations
Jason Colero started as a water boy and now, 25 years later, he’s the heart and soul of Argos’ community outreach programs. The friendly and energetic Manager of Community Relations now educates youth through a myriad of programs he leads throughout the GTA.
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What motivates people to make a difference? To contribute to a charity? To care? We often hear of an epiphany someone experiences before they determine it’s time to make a difference. But what about those people who are on a long time crusade to make a difference in their own life as well as everyone around them?
Taylor Robertson was seven years old when he lost his mother to breast cancer. One can only imagine what a seven year old must feel to lose their mother before seeing their journey through life. I am sure there is never a day that goes by that Taylor doesn’t think about what his Mother would have said in any particular situation – we all have that feeling. There are days when I know my parents would have been proud of me for what I am doing now in the community.
The legacy of the loved ones that we have lost early in our lives always lives on. Taylor Robertson has devoted a lot of time volunteering for various charities associated with the prevention and cure for breast cancer.
Recently, one of Taylor’s dreams to create a not-for-profit campaign to assist the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has come true. Through Life on the Line he wants to create awareness as well as fundraise for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and let people know that everyone is affected by the disease. When someone is diagnosed with the disease hen everyone around them is affected by it. Taylor is donating $65 (his jersey number) for every Argos win this year. To date he is committing to $390 and wants fans to join him and match these contributions. He will also be heading up some very interesting initiatives in the near future.
When I heard about Taylor’s initiative I was inspired to write about it because, like many people, when you have a personal connection to something you become extremely passionate to make a difference. There are many athletes that have been passionate about personal causes. One such cause was that of Doug Flutie and his work with autism. Flutie became connected and passionate about the cause because his son has autism. I know that each and every one of our players has a story or something that has affected them in their lives and I believe their experiences can help others.
Once you go through a difficult time in life you become empathetic towards others who may go through similar situations. That’s why I believe Taylor’s initiative, and others like his, is so special. This is a crusade by a person that started 23 years ago and has come to fruition.
Taylor and some of his teammates took action on October 3, the day after their home game against the Roughriders, by participating in the Run for the Cure at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus.
Make your passion your Life and no one can take that away.
– Jason