Pro wrestling show helping local family in need

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

Professional wrestlers are returning to Strathmore on March 18 and this time they are looking to help a family in need while they’re in town. 

CanAm Wrestling and Alberta Wrestling Academy CEO Otto Gentile got word of the house fire that recently claimed the home of Roy and Sandy Clark in Strathmore and jumped at the chance to help.

“(The situation) was brought to my attention about the Hillview fire that happened and the family who lost their home and pretty much everything that they owned,” said Gentile. “I reached out to the mayor (of Strathmore) and asked if there was any way that we could help … we would love to try and help as we try to give back to every community that we go to.”

Gentile said he reached out on social media for support and is looking for a wide range of things to put together for the Clark family – monetary or otherwise.

“We want to do whatever we can in raising hygiene products, non-perishable food items, bedding, clothing, anything that this family can use to start over again and we’re also going to do a 50/50 draw,” said Gentile. “We’re starting to get a lot of people behind what we’re trying to do for this couple, so I’m really proud to help and give back, especially when they’ve lost everything.”

Gentile has invited the Clark family to the event to enjoy the show, relax and to present them with the results of their fundraising efforts. 

This will be the third show CanAm Wrestling and the Alberta Wrestling Academy have put on in Strathmore and the team is hoping for a big turnout. 

Their last appearance saw roughly 160 people in attendance, and this time around, Gentile hopes to double it. 

“I’m hoping, because we’ve only got two thirds of the hall, that we have to open up the other side of it to make it an event that fills up the entire hall,” said Gentile. “It’s been absolutely incredible. The fanbase is starting to know where we’re at, we’re involved with a few local businesses – the King Eddie is our official ticket outlet that sells tickets for the event.”

The event will be held at the Strathmore Civic Centre on March 18 from 6 to 11 p.m.