I WAS THRILLED TO LEARN THAT MY FRIEND PINBALL WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE FUNDRAISER FOR MISSION SERVICES OF LONDON @MISSION1951

I was thrilled to learn that my friend Pinball will be the guest speaker at the fundraiser for Mission Services of London @Mission1951

Few people exemplify the qualities of personal excellence, teamwork, community leadership, and overcoming the odds better than CFL legend Michael “Pinball” Clemons. With boundless energy, Pinball’s talks centre on the potential for each of us to achieve anything we set our minds to. Unabashedly emotional and impactful, he shows audiences how to put heart into everything they do.

Pinball joined the National Football League in 1987, and the Toronto Argonauts (and the CFL) in 1989. He was nicknamed “Pinball” because of his running style: his diminutive size and extraordinary balance allowed him to “bounce” between defensive players, drawing comparisons to a pinball machine. In 1990, he was honoured with the CFL’s “most outstanding player” award, after setting the single-season record for all-purpose yards. He played his last game as an Argonaut in 2000, before becoming head coach of the team.

In 2007, Pinball stepped down as head coach to become the Chief Executive Officer; in 2009, he was appointed to Vice-Chair of the team. That same year, he founded the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation, which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth. He is also currently working with Marc and Craig Kielburger, founders of Free the Children, in an initiative to build schools and clean water systems in Africa.

Please join us on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the London Convention Centre for our Fall Banquet & Silent Auction featuring keynote speaker Michael “Pinball” Clemons. Michael will share his compelling story, inspiring us to walk alongside those currently working to overcome poverty and to achieve a brighter future. We are thrilled to highlight The Mission Store – a branch of Mission Services of London offering gently-used clothing, footwear and household items at modest prices or, for those in need, at no-cost via its Voucher Program and its Warm Hands – Warm Hearts Outreach Program for children.