On the surface, the rough and tumble world of professional wrestling may not seem like a natural fit for children鈥檚 charities.
But for the last four years, has become synonymous with the betterment of youth鈥檚 lives in 琉璃神社 and across the province.
On Friday night, several local kids鈥� charities will benefit from Invasion鈥檚 Break it Down wrestling show at Rutland Centennial Hall.
The eight-match card will feature the likes of former WWE legend Billy Gunn, along with other stars such as Loose Cannon Kenny Lush, Mad Dog and Mike Shreddz Schramek.
Sugar, a promoter and wrestler who has been involved in past Invasion events, is thrilled to be part of what he considers a great cause.
鈥淭he charities is the big thing, I鈥檝e been a wrestler for 15 years and the magnitude of what Invasion does, they have the connections, they have the wherewithal to get this done, to bring in money for these community-minded charities that need the help,鈥� said Sugar.
鈥淚t鈥檚 always good to give back, it鈥檚 a good feeling to not just go out and wrestle and entertain, but to go out and actually do something good with our efforts.鈥�
The brainchild of 琉璃神社鈥檚 Mike Chisholm and Mike Rizzo, the event has raised more than $100,000 for charity since its inaugural show in October 2013.
This year, Invasion split $10,000 among four local charities鈥擬amas 4 Mamas, Okanagan Boys &Girls Club, the YMCA Strong Kid鈥檚 Program and NONA (North Okanagan Neurological Association.)
鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of another organization that is so unorthodox in how they raise money, in a really good way,鈥� said Candice Chisholm, CEO of Mamas 4 Mamas.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e brought hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities, they鈥檝e entertained thousands of people and they鈥檝e turned non-wrestling fans into wrestling fans, and you can鈥檛 teach that.鈥�
As for the venue, Mike Chisholm said recent improvements to Rutland Centennial Hall should push the show to a whole new level this Friday.
Chisholm also gave credit to the Rutland Park Society for showing its continued support of the event.
鈥淩ight from the beginning they鈥檝e been very supportive, and we鈥檙e really appreciative,鈥� said Chisholm. 鈥淎s this renovation has happened, I know they鈥檝e done the floors, they鈥檝e done the painting, the audio-visual stuff. This hall is an incredible place鈥e want to keep our shows in Rutland Centennial Hall moving forward.鈥�
For Marty Sugar鈥檚 part, the veteran wrestler expects the environment and vibe on Friday night to be second to none.
鈥淲hen you walk into Invasion and it鈥檚 packed to the rafters and you can鈥檛 even move, it鈥檚 a huge moment walking out there seeing hundreds and hundreds of people,鈥� Sugar said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so much fun. (The wrestlers) just get to hang out and relax in a non-political wrestling environment and just have fun.鈥�
Tickets are $15 each, $50 for four, or $40 for VIP and are available at , or in person at Lake City Casino, Packing House Pub, Steve Nash Fitness, Player鈥檚 Choice Sportscards and Collectibles and Lorenzo鈥檚 Barber Shop.
Friday鈥檚 show at Rutland Centennial Hall begins at 7:30.
