Winnipeg wrestlers getting ready to raise funds for organization helping adults with disabilities

A group of Winnipeg wrestlers are gearing up for a show Friday, to fundraise for an organization that helps adults with disabilities get involved with the community.

“It’s going to feature the stars of Winnipeg Pro Wrestling, and stars from all over the province. We are getting together with the Pulford Community Living Services to raise funds for its residence. It’s live pro-wrestling so it should be exciting,” said AJ Larocque, one of the organizers of the event.

Scott Smith, the director of program development and quality assurance at Pulford Community Living Services added, “Our focus is to help people live their lives. When you see them reach their goals, obtain the job that they’ve always been looking forward to, and really contribute back to the community, that’s when we know we’ve done our job.”

The organization, which serves adults with intellectual disabilities, has partnered with the wrestling group, not only to put on the fundraiser but also to put on a show for its residents.

“It really just seems like something that would fit. We’re always looking for, as a not-for-profit, other ways to bring in additional revenue and this is a way that we can work together, fundraise for the organization and really put on a really unique event that will excite the people that we support as well as the community,” said Smith.

“Part of the proceeds will be going towards Pulford Community Living Services. As a not-for-profit, government funding is limited sometimes. Any additional funds that we can goes towards furniture, activities in the community and things that aren’t always covered through funding.”

Larocque, who has been a professional wrestler for 21 years and runs Elite Wrestling Training in Winnipeg, says he’s excited to have residents from Pulford join them at the show.

“When you’ve attended an event and you’ve seen the kids laughing, running, cheering, and booing, and the excitement that ensues at these events, you get to really sit back and see. It’s everybody coming together, having a good time, forgetting about life for a couple of hours,” said Larocque.

“I like to think it’s no different than watching a movie. In the ring we’re telling stories. There’s your villain, there’s your good guy and we get a mix of characters no different than you’d see in television or the movies. Come on out and support what’s happening here in the city.”

Larocque says he and the rest of the team are excited to get in the ring and perform the show, which will be at the West End Cultural Centre.

“Getting to see the looks on people’s faces, getting to raise funds for great causes and things like that. That’s important to me. And just being a positive force within the community,” said Larocque.

Laroque and Smith say they’re looking forward to seeing the faces in the crowds, cheering on the heroes, and booing the villains. Laroque is promising a head-cracking good time.

WATCH: Wrestlers Kevin Cannon and Josh Peterson, aka Josh “Cheeks” Holliday, rehearse for their show Winnipeg Pro Wrestling