Dove Men+Care has teamed up with the Toronto Raptors to celebrate the invaluable role of mentors and coaches in the community.
Held at the Scotiabank Arena’s IBM Practice Court, the event, Mentor’s Day, honored local leaders for their tireless efforts in guiding youth, building strong teams, and fostering positive change in their communities. “I started coaching at 16 years old, inspired by a close friend and mentor who introduced me to basketball and showed me what it means to be a coach, a leader, and someone who uplifts others,” said Toronto Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajaković. “Partnering with Dove Men+Care in their mission was an exciting opportunity to connect our team and organization with the incredible coaches and mentors who are shaping youth basketball across Canada.”
Dove Men+Care Celebrates Mentor’s Day in Partnership with the Toronto Raptors was an initiative that showcased the brand’s dedication to nurturing leadership and community growth. The event was designed to spotlight the essential role that mentors play in guiding not just athletes but young people on a personal level as well. At the heart of this mission is Darko Rajaković, who serves as Dove Men+Care’s first Chief Care Officer (CCO). His vision emphasizes the importance of mentorship in promoting values such as compassion, commitment, and community.
During the day, mentors gathered to share their leadership philosophies and community-building strategies. They also participated in basketball drills led by the Raptors Sports Development Team. Following the drills, the Raptors’ coaching staff—including Head Coach Rajaković, Assistant Coaches Pat Delany, Jama Mahlalela, and James Wade—joined the mentors on the court for an interactive session. The event wrapped up with a celebration of the winners of the Care Squad Contest, which was hosted by Mariah Amber, the Toronto Raptors’ in-arena host.
Dove Men+Care Celebrates Mentor’s Day in Partnership with the Toronto Raptors also highlighted the contributions of individuals like Justin Fields and Paul Maga, two exemplary community leaders. Fields, founder of the Justin Basketball Program in Scarborough, was honored for his weekly dedication to mentoring youth, while Maga, president of the Dundas Dynamo Basketball Club, was recognized for his decade of coaching and his ability to inspire young athletes both on and off the court.
“Coaching is about guiding athletes during the game, but mentoring goes deeper,” Maga explained. “It’s about understanding who they are as individuals, what they’re going through, and how best to support them—whether through positive feedback or constructive criticism. Mentorship means showing genuine interest in their lives and futures, encouraging them, and sharing knowledge to help them grow not just as athletes, but as people.”
Dove Men+Care Celebrates Mentor’s Day in Partnership with the Toronto Raptors served as a reminder of the profound impact mentors have in shaping the lives of the next generation. By honoring these unsung heroes, the event continued Dove Men+Care’s mission to inspire care and support where it’s most needed.
