Eastside Boxing and Wellness in Peterborough has partnered with YWCA Peterborough Haliburton to introduce disadvantaged youth to the sport of boxing so they can develop confidence, discipline, resilience, self-respect, and healthy coping skills.
Eastside Boxing owner Marsha Gaulton, a certified competitive boxing coach committed to supporting and advancing female athletes in boxing, has created the “Fight for the Future Fund” with the aim of providing youth with a controlled outlet where they can safely release the pressures and emotions that come with everyday life.
“I know what it’s like to need an outlet and not have the support or access to one,” Gaulton says in a media release. “I felt that deeply as a child. Boxing came later in life for me, but it became a very special place that gave me confidence, self-discipline, and a much-needed safe space to release built-up frustration and anger in a healthy way.”
Supported by community donations, the Fight for the Future Fund will provide youth aged 12 to 16 with access to a 12-week program at Eastside Boxing and Wellness that will introduce them to boxing while removing the financial barrier to participate.
A committee will select participants based on need. YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, which supports women and children fleeing from gender-based violence, is a partner in the initiative as preference will be given to youth who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.
“At YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, we know that recovery from gender-based violence and domestic abuse requires much more than access to a safe place to stay,” says director of philanthropy Tina Thornton.
“We have seen firsthand that healing happens on many levels — physical, emotional, and spiritual,” Thornton adds. “Access to safe, supportive spaces where individuals can grow, build confidence, and express themselves in healthy ways, such as those provided through Fight for the Future Fund, is a vital part of that journey.”
Youth selected to participate in the program will receive professional instruction from experienced coaches, starter equipment needed to participate (gloves and wraps), and registration with Boxing Ontario.
Parents, guardians, youth workers, educators, and community professionals supporting a young person are encouraged to learn more about the program at ywcapeterborough.org/fight-for-the-future-fund/, while applications can be completed.
To support participants, Eastside Boxing and Wellness is asking for community donations to the Fight for the Future Fund. Donations can be made via the link above.
“This fund helps give youth — specifically those who have experienced domestic abuse — a safe space where they can feel supported and able to release their own frustrations in a healthy and productive way while learning discipline and self-confidence,” Gaulton says.
Eastside Boxing and Wellness has been providing boxing classes for both adults and youth since 2024. For more information, visit eastsideboxingandwellness.ca.
