Through his line of work, Mike Lundy has seen the positive influence of the Underground Gym.
That’s why the Thunder Bay District Jail correctional officer decided to create an event to aid Underground Gym operator Peter Panetta's organization.
Lundy, the president of the local OPSEU 737, helped organize the first Fill a Cell for Hope event, a food drive at the Dawson Road Safeway location on Saturday afternoon.
“When I talked to Peter he did say it was unfortunate that some of his kids end up where I work,” Lundy said.
“I told Peter to imagine if he hadn’t have been there how many more kids would have been there and the stuff he does in the community is absolutely amazing.”
The Underground Gym provides activities and access to equipment while promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and self-confidence all free of charge to youth in need.
The programs offered at the gym include amateur boxing, wrestling, strength training, cooking classes, pottery, arts and crafts, as well as activities like movie nights and tutoring.
Lundy first met Panetta a few years ago, and has since been inspired by his work with the organization. The Underground Gym, located on Simpson Street, provides workout space for underprvileged children, designed to help keep them off the streets. It also has a community kitchen and provides snacks and meals to its clientele. The organization is reliant on donations to survive.
The generosity from the community helped fill one of the jail’s inmate transit vehicles as volunteers from the jail rotated in and out throughout the afternoon.
The food drive allows Panetta to direct some of his funds that would otherwise be allocated for supplies towards enhancing programs.
Panetta said this was the first large-scale food drive anybody has helped together for his group, and he was shocked by the success of the event.
“It’s overwhelming and gratifying to see that there are so many good people out here,” Panetta said.
Lundy added the amount of food donated far surpassed his expectations.
Working with the youth volunteers from the organization made the afternoon worthwhile, Lundy explained.
“What’s more inspiring is the kids out here helping out,” he said. “I’ve never met a more polite group of kids. They’ve been nothing but helpful.”
