A prominent advocate for victims of sexual abuse is the man behind a celebrity slo-pitch game this Saturday in Aldergrove.
Andy Bhatti’s “Survivors Supporting Survivors†team is scheduled to play at 11 a.m. on June 13 on one of the diamonds beside Parkside Centennial Elementary,
“A few of the celebrities I have had [supporting me] in the past wanted to play slo-pitch,†Bhatti explained. “I told them we could put in a team and help raise awareness and funds for victims of childhood sexual abuse, Sophie’s Place, and Survivors Supporting Survivors to help promote sexual abuse prevention at the same time.â€
As well, Bhatti said, “we will also be having a big auction with and an autograph signing, and will help kick off my bike tour across Newfoundland with Shannon Tweed-Simmons.â€
The game is free to watch and Bhatti is urging the community to support the causes. Visitors can also take home brochures on sexual abuse prevention
Among those scheduled to take part in the game are Vancouver Canucks alumni Cliff Ronning, Kyle Wellwood, Garth Butcher, and John Craighead, actor Katie Stuart, mixed martial arts fighter and actor/stunt performer Jason “Dooms†Day, and comedian Darcy Michael.
A 55†television is up for grabs, as is a sponsored Norco bicycle worth $700, a Jose Canseco signed baseball bat, Gordie Howe signed photos, and lots of other prizes.
Autographs and photos are included for any donation.
About Andy Bhatti
Sexually abused as a kid, the Langley resident fell into a dark tunnel of drug addiction, homelessness, and crime, and came out the other side.
In recent years, he’s devoted his life to help victims of sexual abuse, and largely because of that, Bhatti was the 2015 Courage To Come Back Award recipient in the addiction category.
Bhatti is now a certified substance abuse support worker and recovery coach, and a big part of Survivors Support Survivors, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and resources for survivors, both men and women, of childhood victimization.