Shaw Top Performers Wilder Jr., Reilly and Banks pick respective charities
TORONTO — CFL stars James Wilder Jr., Mike Reilly and Brandon Banks are all fathers, so they know the value of a stable environment for children.
The trio earmarked separate children’s charities for donations after securing the top three spots in the 2017 Shaw CFL Top Performers program. Wilder, the Toronto Argonauts running back, donated $25,000 to Covenant House — while provides shelter for homeless youth — while Reilly, the Edmonton Eskimos quarterback, allocated $15,000 to Adarius 4 Autism, which was founded by former teammate Adarius Bowman for youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
And Banks, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats speedy receiver/kick returner, donated $10,000 to the David Lane Youth Successful Fund at John Howard Society through Give Proof To Our Youth in Hamilton.
“I’m always trying to impact and affect youth,” said Wilder, a 26-year-old father of four children aged five and younger. “Some of these kids just need opportunity, they just need a chance.