Getting underprivileged kids off the Streets and into the Gym.

Background

The Philippines

In a country where nearly 35% of the population live below the poverty line, with no social welfare and very few opportunities for the poor.

One man dares to dream.

His dream is to drive away the darkness from the most destitute corners of his community; to get poor kids off the streets and away from crime; to invest in the youth by putting them in a corner of a different kind- a boxing gym's.

It is in this fighting corner that he hopes to mold their character and outlook in life, so that some day they may become World Champion boxers, but more importantly grow to become Undisputed Champion citizens of a struggling nation.

He literally sleeps inside the boxing ring at night and wakes every morning to live his dream, which is now a reality.

The Mark F Villanueva Boxing Academy is now up and running in IloIlo City, Philippines.

But he needs your support.

The campaign

Funds are badly needed to repair and renovate the 2nd floor so that more kids can enjoy the facilities and the training.

We have contacted a construction company and they provided a quote for PHP 160,000 or approx $4,000 for the following work:

• paint job for 1st/2nd floor
• upper flooring extension/framework
• additional metal staircase
• ceiling repair
• customized ring
• rest room
• additional rubber tiles
• 4 wide mirrors
• window repairs
• electrical/wiring
• labor charges

Upper flooring extension/framework is urgently required to extend the gym

 The ceilings also need to be repaired and reinforced

Flooring and training facilities need improvement

 The rest room and facilities are in dire need of an upgrade.

Exposed wiring and other electrical work is also a priority.

If we surpass our goal , the additional money will be invested in more gym and boxing equipment and go towards the day to day costs of running the gym.

We will also film the restoration process in a follow up documentary for greater transparency. Hopefully, this doc will also include a very special guest: Morris East,the youngest ever Philippine World Champion and trainer to Zab Judah who will be visiting the gym in May to train the kids for 3 days.

We are looking for whatever support you can give. Please take a look at the contribution levels and fulfillment info on the right hand side for more info.

Some very big name boxers and trainers have already expressed an interest in supporting this campaign. So please keep checking back as we add more perks and contribution gifts as the campaign gets underway.

Other Ways You Can Help

With your help we can repair expand the gym and get more kids off the street and into a more positive learning environment.

If you can't donate then please share and like our campaign on Facebook , twitter and other social networking sites. The more people that see the campaign and the more exposure we get the better.