Plumas family adds some muscle to the Bear Clan’s efforts

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Published on Friday, August 19, 2016

Submitted photo. From left: Brenden Collins, Kerry-Lynn Cowan, The Rebel Bobby Collins, Bill Greenwalt (Representative of the Bear Clan) standing in front of the quilt made by Kerry-Lynn. 

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The Bear Clan has added some muscle to their efforts to protect the community’s most vulnerable. They have teamed up with the wrestlers of the Canadian Wrestling Association.  On Aug. 27, the wrestlers join the fight to help raise awareness and funds for the ongoing efforts of the philanthropic organization that has been called into action more often than we would hope.

The Indian & Metis Friendship Centre, in Winnipeg, will be the site of the action when the father-son duo of Bobby and Brenden Collins (Rebels Inc.) pair up for a main event tag team tussle against the devious duo of Todd Bullet and Wildman Firpo (O.W.O).  The younger Collins, who was recruited as a top prospect for the U of M Bison’s football team earlier this year, has been a popular attraction in the wrestling ring and will find his skills tested against the team of Bullet and Firpo, who boast a combined 60 years of ring experience to their credit.

“The work that the Bear Clan does to help those who need it most is so vitally important and they are making a difference in the lives of so many here,” says Brenden. “When I heard that we had an opportunity to lend a hand to help more people become aware of their organization and volunteer our time to help them raise money, I knew that this was an event that I wanted to be involved in.  I hope that the citizens of Winnipeg and surrounding areas, and the families whose lives have been touched by the Bear Clan come out to the event.”

A strong supporting card has also been lined up featuring some of the area’s best pro grapplers. In addition to the wrestling action, Kerry-Lynn Cowan, of Plumas,  has sewn a custom king-sized quilt which she is donating to be raffled off at the event with proceeds to the Bear Clan. When Kerry-Lynn was asked about her passion for this cause, she said,  “I have had many young girls in my life. As we talked about what they wanted to be when they grew up, none of them ever said I want to be a prostitute. They had dreams of being a nurse, a chef, a vet, a police officer, a homecare worker. And no matter what your beliefs are, it’s true. These little girls grow up. Life throws those curve balls and low blow punches. They find acceptance in the arms of a pimp. They find comfort. Whatever the case is, they find family. I am sure they are not where they want to be. And although it's their choice, how many of us have made bad choices in our lives? How do you get out of that lifestyle once you’re in it? Your family has abandoned you; maybe they didn't have family to begin with. Maybe the men that pick them up at night are the only world they know as its something they learn from their parents. Maybe this is the only form of love they know. It was one bad choice.”

“So with the money from the quilt, the Bear Clan will be able to give that lady who stands on the street corner a sandwich, something to drink and a piece of fruit. Maybe one day the hand that hands them the sandwich will also hand them the tiny piece of love and acceptance that every young girl needs in life,” continued Cowan. Raffle tickets are only $1 each and will be drawn on Aug. 27 during the wrestling show.

The Bear Clan organization operates on a volunteer basis and assembles the troops whenever they are needed to search neighborhoods to locate missing persons.  Operational funds help to purchase equipment as needed and cover operational costs outside of the hours committed by the team.

Advance tickets are available at The Indian & Metis Friendship or through the Bear Clan. Tickets will also be available at the door. Quilt tickets can be bought through Kerry-Lynn directly 204-872-0326 or 204-386-2315 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Raffle tickets can be bought at Plumas Stop n Shop, Clarke’s of Gladstone, Portage Canvas, Driven 2 Sew, Fresh to the Bone and Liquid Glamour in Plumas.