THUNDER BAY - A superhero doesn’t have to be someone who soars through the skies or fights crime at night. Sometimes being a hero is just showing someone else that they have the power to achieve their dreams.
Dave Jones, also known as the Turtle Man, uses his superpower to help get kids out of their shells and know that it is okay to be themselves.
“Super heroes come in all shapes and sizes,” he said. “Some are in the air, some are on TV, and some are just walking the streets and going to school. We just want the kids to be really proud of what they are doing and stay in the best way possible.”
The Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation hosted its annual Dare to Dream Day on Saturday at St. Patrick’s High School to inspire youth to dream big.
Yolanda Wanakamik, vice president of Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation, said the day allows kids to come out, dress in their favourite superhero costume, and participate in fun activities.
The day included a variety show with performances from various community groups and organizations to showcase some of the activities available to kids.
“The foundation raises money for opportunities for kids to participate who don’t have the financial means to participate in various activities,” Wanakamik said. “Today we have a variety show. It is really about activities that kids can participate in for extra curricular.”
Dare to Dream Day is also a fundraiser for Mazinaajim, in addition to its annual draw, Pay Days in May.
Wanakamik said all the funds raised go towards education, recreational, culture and leadership opportunities for youth in the area.
And while offering these opportunities to youth is important, the first step is getting the youth engaged and encouraging them to dream big. Enter the Turtle Man.
“I am going to raise up the energy, get the kids excited, I’m going to get the screaming, clapping, cheering, all the great things when you become a superhero so we can fundraise and give these kids a chance to make their dreams come true,” he said.
Jones added that with the many issues people are facing in today’s society, it can be easy to forget some very important aspects of life.
“It’s important to have a lot of fun and teach kids that it’s okay to be their real selves all the time,” he said. “My job is to make sure these children are not afraid to cheer, not afraid to soar, not afraid to laugh, not afraid to dream and to just get out there and be all that we adults want them to become.”
And that is what makes a superhero, whether it’s the Turtle Man or anyone else who is not afraid to be themselves, to pursue their dreams, and encourage others to do the same.
“That can be a superhero to someone else who is looking for someone to have as a positive role model to become whatever it is they dream about when they are little,” Jones said.
