one by one®: Eva R. Gsum Foundation
Gavin Musgrave was coaching a youth basketball team from Montreal during the economic downturn in 2008. He watched as one of his players who hoped to earn a college degree was unable to continue his education simply because of the cost. Musgrave said it was disheartening to see a student-athlete turned away “because he was a few hundred dollars short.” It inspired him to do something to prevent it from happening to others.
Inspiration and perspiration
Eva R. Gsum Foundation achieved charitable status in 2009. Musgrave has served as its executive director since its founding and the organization has helped more than 200 students pursue a degree through financial aid. “Some of them were in dire situations, some just needed a push to avoid dropping out,” Musgrave said.
The foundation—named after its leader, but with his last name spelled backwards—strives to enrich lives through scholarships and support of youth sports programs. Consisting of only Musgrave and a four-person board of trustees, the organization relies on community connections and relationships to carry out its mission. “Sometimes it feels like we’re a team of 2,000, but we’re really just five,” Musgrave said.
Branded sport bags bring smiles
One youth sports partnership is with NorthStar Eagles, a Montreal developmental program that uses basketball to improve social skills and emotional behavior. It’s open to boys and girls ages 5 through 12—not with the goal of training the next generation of superstars, but to provide a supportive environment to play, learn and grow.
Musgrave’s organization used a one by one grant to purchase drawstring sportpacks for the program’s student athletes. To students in elite-level basketball programs, it might seem like a small thing. But for this group, having branded sports bags that show they’re a part of something is a big deal.
“Every bit of support is helpful for the program and helpful for the kids,” Musgrave said. “Anytime they get a surprise, even if at the end of the day they get orange slices or a popsicle, they’re super excited. So imagine when they get something that shows they’re on a team and participating in something together.”
Powered by good will
Eva R. Gsum Foundation doesn’t receive government funding, and all fundraising efforts go to helping students. That means an opportunity like a one by one grant really makes a difference. “The generosity of others is what fuels us,” Musgrave said.
A note from Cheryl
Eva R. Gsum Foundation is doing wonderful things to help students, both through scholarships and support of impactful community programs. We’re delighted to provide branded sports bags to help show young student athletes they’re a part of something special. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.