On November 30th, teams from IBEW NextGen and skilled trades from across the province will take to the dodgeball courts for some fast-slamming fundraising action. At stake is the right to have all tournament proceeds donated to the Movember Foundation in the winning team’s name.
Even if you can’t participate, you can still donate to Movember via the Local 353 team >

The teams from the 2018 tournament.
A Growing Tradition
What started out in 2016 as an internal 353 NextGen event has been growing every year. It’s now opened up to other trades and other unions. This year, CUPE Local 79 is helping to organize the event, and secure the location.

The IBEW Local 353 NexGen dodgeball team from 2018.
“We recognize that we work together with other trades on jobsites,” says Local 353 NextGen Co-Chair Aaron Zboch-Alves. “We thought it would make sense to have some fun together as well.”
So far, 10 (of a maximum 16) teams have registered. There’s still time to register, but only until Wednesday, November 27th.
“We’re also looking for volunteers and referees,” says Zboch-Alves. “At any one time we’ll need 12 referees available. Right now, the 353 members can’t field a team because everyone’s volunteering.”
Zboch-Alves also encourages people who can’t travel to the GTA to start their own tournament in their area. “I’d be happy to share everything we know about organizing a tournament like this,” he says.
Tournament details
- When: Saturday, November 30th, 2019
- Where: Birchmount Community Centre, 93 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, Ontario, M1N 3J7
- Cost: $250 to register a team or $30 for individuals (to be placed on a “solidarity” team). Cheques are to be made to: Electrical Workers, Local Union 353 Non-Profit Centre (HST is included (HST #845816016RT00)
- Contact information: nextg [at] ibew353 [dot] org
- Fundraising goal: beat last year’s total of $1,175
Spectators are also encouraged to attend!
The team to beat are the 2018 champions, fielded by the Hammerheads pre-apprenticeship program. This year, IBEW Local 115 is sending a team, and Zboch-Alves hopes that nearby locals 804 and 105 will rise to the challenge.
Can’t make it? You can still make a donation to the campaign. Local 353 Next Gen members will be growing ‘staches – and even shaving treasured facial hair – in support of the cause.
Zboch-Alves recounts one story of a Local 353 apprentice going above and beyond for the cause. “Last year, Haider Zaheed had a personal goal to raise $1,000 and promised to shave his beard if he made it. His co-workers all chipped in to make sure it happened!”
Keep an eye on the IBEW CCO’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds to see photos from the tournament on November 30th.