Correctional Officers, Sheriffs Pitch In to Help Charities

Correctional officers and deputy sheriffs have again joined forces to make a Nova Scotia child's wish come true.

Correctional Officer Chris Deal and Deputy Sheriff Rory Fraser are organizing Pitches for Wishes, a baseball fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It will be held Sunday, Sept. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bissett Lake ballpark, Diamond 1, in Cole Harbour.

"We're very proud of the work Officer Deal and Deputy Fraser are doing in their community," said Minister of Justice Ross Landry. "They spend their workday protecting Nova Scotians and are dedicating their spare time to a wonderful cause that has a huge impact on children and their families. They are setting an example for all Nova Scotians."

This is the fourth charity game organized by the two. For the past two years, they have organized two baseball games and two hockey games. The hockey games, Justice for the Cure, raised $9,000 for breast cancer research. The first Pitches for Wishes in 2010 raised $11,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"It is great to see correctional officers and sheriffs come together, have some fun for such a good cause," said Joan Jessome, NSGEU resident. "They really deserve our respect and support for initiating this series of charity events and for making them so successful."

Funds raised at the 2011 Pitches for Wishes game will help send five-year-old Annabelle and her family to Disney World in Florida. Annabelle lives in Prospect and has T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

The fundraiser will include a baseball game between correctional officers and deputy sheriffs, an auction, a home run contest and a head-shaving competition.

"We started these events as a way to get correctional officers and sheriffs together socially while raising money for a good cause along the way," said Mr. Fraser. "We've had incredible support from our colleagues, the community and corporate sponsors. It's been a great experience, and we thank everyone who has contributed to the success of these events."

Tickets are available at the baseball field the day of the event. Nova Scotians can also show their support by visiting www.facebook.com/westcoastauth. For every person who "likes" this organization on Facebook, the company will donate 50 cents.

Correctional officers and deputy sheriffs are members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) and employees of the Department of Justice.

For more information on the event, the wish child and the many corporate sponsors, visit www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205074886207694 .