TD Canada Trust took time out last week to honour “local hero” Pat Espina.
A longtime organizer of Fergus Elora District Soccer’s (FEDS) Special Needs Soccer program, Espina was named district winner of the bank’s customer appreciation event and awarded a $5,000 cheque in support of the organization.
A celebration was held on July 26 with TD executives on hand to hand out the giant cheque.
“We have a nationwide TD Thank You Customer Appreciation event and each district (the local district includes Milton, Guelph and area) was to nominate a local hero,” explained TD district vice president Nick Podetz.
He lauded Espina’s many efforts “to provide special needs adults with the opportunity to enjoy playing soccer.
“This allows these athletes to get active, practice their skills, grow as players. They also benefit from the great social and team building aspects of organized Sports. Pat’s hard work inspires everyone at TD.”
Podetz, who noted similar donations were made in communities across Canada, added, “Today is special because we have lots of folks here who are tied to the community.”
He quipped various branches bickered over who would present the cheque.
“We can’t thank you enough,” Podetz told Espina.
Espina said, “We enjoy doing this so much. It is a pleasure for us to be able to work with everybody.”
He thanked the TD bank and other supporters of the special needs program. Now in its eight year, “the program keeps growing and improving,” he said.
Espina noted there are now about 30 players from across Wellington County who “come to play every Wednesday.”
In July there was the one-day festival, which he described as a big party, that brought in players from across Ontario.
“They are all trying to copy what we are doing in our community,” he said.
As to the recognition, Espina said, “It was really unexpected. I don’t really need the recognition – the program is so rewarding as it is.” He added he appreciates the support for the program and special needs individuals.
