Behind The Gloves transforms SBC Summit Canada into a $10,000 charity drive

(AsiaGameHub) –   Behind The Gloves turns SBC Summit Canada into $10,000 charity drive

The well-being and mental health initiative Behind The Gloves has successfully raised CAD$ 10,000 (€6,500) for the Toronto-based charity Interval House, following fundraising activities conducted during the SBC Summit Canada event.

This significant contribution was generated through a series of boxing and fitness sessions that took place during SBC Summit Canada (held from 19-21 May in Toronto). These sessions received strong backing from industry leaders, sponsorship, and charitable participation, all aimed at supporting women and children who are victims of partner violence.

The initiative was prominently supported by lead sponsor Blazesoft and long-term partner Bede Gaming. All funds raised were directed to Interval House, a Toronto charity dedicated to providing emergency shelter, counseling services, crisis intervention, and long-term support programs.

Developed specifically for the iGaming and sports betting sector, Behind The Gloves utilizes boxing-led sessions, movement exercises, and well-being activities to foster networking environments that differ from traditional conference formats. The core aim of the initiative is to strengthen professional relationships while simultaneously cultivating broader community engagement and achieving a positive charitable impact.

What began as early-morning wellness sessions at SBC Summit Canada evolved into a comprehensive industry fundraising effort, uniting operators, suppliers, and stakeholders around a shared social objective. This model reflects a growing trend within gambling and betting businesses to align event participation and sponsorship activities with demonstrable corporate responsibility outcomes.

Explaining the underlying purpose of the program, Behind The Gloves Founder Lee McFarland stated that the initiative was never conceived solely for running conference sessions.

“Behind The Gloves was never created just to run sessions at events. It was created to bring people together in a more meaningful way and to use that engagement to create something positive beyond the industry itself.”

McFarland further emphasized that the donation serves as a testament to what can be accomplished through industry collaboration.

“The donation to Interval House is proof of what can happen when the right people, partners, and purpose come together. That’s what makes this initiative so powerful — the impact doesn’t stop when the event finishes.”

Lead sponsor Blazesoft supported the initiative as part of its broader commitment to partnerships that generate social value beyond commercial achievements. Chief Commercial Officer, Yuliya Ivanisova, commented that supporting Behind The Gloves provided the company with an opportunity to engage in an initiative that successfully merged industry interaction with community impact.

“At Blazesoft, we believe the strongest partnerships are the ones that create lasting value for both people and communities. Supporting Behind The Gloves at SBC Summit Canada gave us the opportunity to be part of something that combined industry engagement with genuine social impact.”

Ivanisova added: “We’re proud to support an initiative that brings people together while contributing to an important cause.”

Supporting partner Bede Gaming also highlighted the program’s well-being aspect as a key factor in their involvement. Jess Marrs, VP Product Marketing at Bede Gaming, noted that the initiative fosters a distinct form of industry interaction focused on individuals and connections.

“Behind The Gloves creates a very different kind of experience within the industry — one centred around people, wellbeing, and connection.”

Marrs concluded: “Supporting this initiative was a natural fit for us, and seeing the outcome in support of Interval House shows what’s possible when businesses collaborate around a shared purpose.”

Behind The Gloves indicated that SBC Summit Canada is a component of a larger strategy to extend the initiative across various industry events and geographical locations, maintaining a consistent focus on integrating well-being, engagement, and measurable social impact.