Preparing to trash-talk their rivals and beatdown their opponents, pro-wrestlers are lining up to put on a show in aid of a very special Richmond dog.
As well as entertaining what’s sure to be an excitable crowd, the ECCW (Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling) stars will be raising funds vital for Kona, a year-old Rottweiler, to live a pain-free life.
Kona, who’s in the care of the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS), needs about $5,000 worth of leg surgery to deal with a disorder known as luxating patella, which means she has little or nothing keeping her knee joints in place.
The unique fundraising idea came from RAPS’ animal control officer Shane Burnham, a wrestling fan who just happens to be an old Richmond school buddy with Scotty Mac, a pro-wrestler and owner and operator of ECCW.
“I came up with it in the summer and just pitched it to Scotty and he loved it,” said Burnham, who has spent a fair bit of time with Kona and felt compelled to help her in any way he could.
“I’ve known Scotty since Grade 11 or 12 and I still watch wrestling, so I thought this would be a good idea.”
RAPS, understandably, is thrilled that Mac is bringing his ECCW entourage to Richmond for the “Dropkicks for Kona” show on Nov. 28 at the Ukrainian Community Centre.
For Mac, who grew up in Burkeville on Sea Island, it’s a perfect chance for him to give something back to Richmond and bring his show to his hometown for the first time ever.
“We put on a lot of shows for charity and this seemed like a great cause,” said Mac, who’s performed in Europe and at the WWE Smackdown in Spokane, WA. in 2008 and also does acting and stunt work for the movie and TV industry.
“Hopefully, all the wrestling fans in Richmond will come out for the show and help (Kona) at the same time.”
The show itself will feature some two and a half hours of some of the best wrestling in the Pacific northwest, with eight matches lines up, as well as an appearance by Canadian comedic vlogger and YouTube personality Peter Chao.
There are also plans for Kona to play her part as well.
RAPS’ community development coordinator, Wendy Riley, said the shelter is very grateful to ECCW for donating its time.
“This is a little bit different from our other fundraisers; it will be interesting to see what kind of crowd we get, as we usually do art shows and dances,” said Riley.
“Kona came to RAPS in February and we managed to adopt her out, but she started to show the symptoms of the disorder and the family that had her said they couldn’t look after her.
“She can stand up right now, but it’s going to get progressively worse as she gains weight.”
Riley said Kona recently had surgery done on one of her elbows, but she needs three hours of physio, including icing, hot packs and exercise, every single day for two months.
“Hydrotherapy would be great for her, but it’s way too expensive,” added Riley.
“Maybe, depending on how much we can raise at the show, she can get some hydrotherapy?”
Dropkicks for Kona promises to be a great night of fun with all money raised going to the cost of Kona's surgeries.
RAPS would love to hear from potential sponsors, corporate or private, for the event.
The show starts at 7 p.m. at the centre at 5311 Francis Rd., with the opening bell at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for front row and $18 elsewhere. Call 604-763-2575 or 604-275-2036 for tickets or drop by the shelter at 12071 No. 5 Rd. For more information, log onto eccw.com or rapsociety.com.
