Chris Bosh was all smiles this past weekend as his foundation’s second annual “Xmas Bash” helped usher in the holiday season for an electric crowd of 250 kids at the Scadding Community Centre in Toronto.

The Toronto Raptors’ all-star forward was joined by some of his friends from the team, including head coach Sam Mitchell; assistant coach Alex English; teammates Fred Jones, Darrick Martin and Joey Graham; as well as fan favourite and former Raptors Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams.

“I’m really happy to be able to do things like this for the community,” said Bosh. “It’s important to give back.”

Bosh was indeed in the giving mood, as he tossed presents to a sea of outstretched hands. The event also featured free food for those in attendance, as well as entertainment in the form of singing, rapping and the team’s mascot, The Raptor.

With the NBA’s reputation constantly under fire from the boneheaded antics of certain players, it’s refreshing to see a humble, respectable guy who genuinely enjoys giving back to the community.

“It’s wonderful. Just wonderful,” said English, an NBA Hall of Fame member. “Every player in the league should do something like this for his hometown or wherever he plays.”

Jones echoed English’s sentiments. “You can tell Chris is a really good guy. He loves his community. He’s a good family person, and a great teammate.”

Of course, Jones and the rest of the team have had to do without Bosh over the past several games due to Bosh’s knee injury. Even without the services of their best player, the Raptors have responded— now on a three-game winning streak.

“I’m very happy with how (the team) is playing,” said Bosh. “The other guys on the team are really stepping up.”

For a behind-the-scenes report from Ryan Emberley, check out the andPOP Blog.






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