JASON COLERO
Toronto Argonauts Manager, Community Relations
Jason Colero started as a water boy and now, 26 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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TORONTO — When I was younger I tragically lost my 16 year old cousin. When I was looking for answers, a close friend of mine, Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, explained that sometimes, when things happen, we don’t get immediate answers. He also told me that something good can always come out of any situation.
I organized a charity hockey game between the Argos and Tiger-Cats in my cousin’s memory and in support of a local charity. The game showed me just how dedicated these players were, no matter what the cause. Because of my relationship with them (‘their little brother’) they knew what it meant to me and they went above and beyond to help. Fast forward about 18 years and I am doing what I love, helping youth while working for the Toronto Argonauts.
On November 18, 2009 outside a restaurant in Ajax, 32 year old Victor ”Chuckie” Cameron was stabbed and succumbed to his wounds. I would imagine that, to the Cameron family and friends, there could never be anything good that comes from a violent act and a loss of life. But there was. Chuckie’s family has, instead, become the catalyst for change. They approached our team because they believed in what our community mandate stood for and our desire to give youth a chance to do the right things. Through mentorship and educating youth, we constantly try to get all youth to be positive in their thoughts and actions by helping them to become valuable contributors to their community.
The Cameron family wanted to create a scholarship that would have the legacy of Victor continue. After some deliberation, the Victor Cameron scholarship was created. It is now a scholarship that is awarded to a person in financial need that is either playing or volunteering in football and exhibits the same characteristics Victor stood for including commitment to his community.
This year the applicants were all very worthy and I usually make personal phone calls to the recipients receiving the good news. This time, however, I gave the honour to my assistant Erin. After making the calls she exclaimed how the calls made her week! I don’t blame her. She heard one student on the other end of the phone become speechless, then gather himself and admit that he was choked up because he now had an opportunity that he probably thought would never happen.
Alex, a student from Westview Secondary, now has the opportunity to attend the Building Systems Engineer program at Seneca College in September. The other candidate, Dwayne, from Sir Robert L. Borden will attend the Pre-Community Services Program at George Brown College in September.
After hearing the personal stories of these two recipients, it was heartwarming to know that this scholarship is making such a huge difference in their lives.
I think we all had a warm feeling when the Cameron family first met the recipients of their award at our home game. Then we all shed a tear as the photo of Victor Cameron was displayed on the videoboard. I think his family was happy, and proud, to know that Victor did not die in vain and that, through their efforts, his name will live on.
For the two recipients, I know they realize the story behind their scholarship and what it stands for. I honestly know what it feels like to do something for the legacy of someone for which I cared.
“Make your passion your life and no one can take that away.”
– Jason