By: Kendra Adams Racing
July 8 2016
Barrie, Ontario – Kendra Adams, driver of the #2 Super Stock SE Telecom Chevy, is proud to announce her support of Kids Help Phone, a leading Canadian charity dedicated to the emotional health and well-being of young people across Canada. Adams’ personal experiences with bullying inspired her to commit to doing her part to ensure kids and teens always have the confidential and anonymous service when they are struggling with life’s challenges.
As a female driver in a traditionally male dominated sport, the 16-year-old Super Stock rookie who races at Sunset International Speedway, Adams is no stranger to affects of bullying: “I've always been a sensitive kid and quick to tear up and because of this, I would get teased a lot in school and to the point where they would tease me just to see me cry.” said Adams “My Mom always told me that not everyone would like me, it's just a fact of life.”
Going into racing brought this to light in a hurry for Adams. “People I had never spoken to didn't like me and I had no idea why. I was only 13 and didn't know how someone that didn't know me or anything about me could not like me. I had a hard time comprehending this.” she added.
Adams who is a self professed tomboy who not only races cars against many who are twice her age is also the only female member of a local Championship winning hockey team which at times presented its own challenges.
Now 16, Adams realizes that it's okay for people not to like her. “It's a fact that not everyone will and you can't change that, especially if they don't even take the time to get to know you. I try to be nice to everyone and do my best to ignore the rest. It's difficult sometimes, especially as a teenager and a sensitive person, but you really do have to try and cope with the negativity and try to grow from it and become a better person.”
The young race car driver acknowledges that not everyone has a support system that she has to offer guidance and hope when times get tough. Kids Help Phone understands the need and importance of a 24/7 critical lifeline of hope and support for kids, teens, and young adults through its free anonymous services.
In partnership with sponsor Epic Racewear, Adams will sell Kendra Adams Motorsports / Kids Help Phone T-shirts with $5 from every shirt going to Kids Help Phone. Adams primary sponsor SE Telecom has graciously offered to host a barbeque to raise funds and awareness for this extremely worthy cause. A date and further details for this charity BBQ will be announced in the coming weeks.
Adams has made an additional pledge: “I will donate my race-winnings once a month, up to $100 and ask the public or local business to match my donation or contribute what they can”
In the coming weeks Adams will have a donations link on her website where people can donate directly to Kids Help Phone.
The Kids Help Phone Info Booth can be a great resource and can found at www.kidshelpphone.ca. This is a place to get information on topics of interest to kids, teens, and young adults. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please call 1-800-668-6868. A Live Chat is also available.
Adams feels that assisting others when possible has been an important coping mechanism for her personally. She is also a proud "Laps for Muscular Dystrophy" (Laps4MD) driver where she has pledged to donate $1 for every lap she leads in 2016 to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Adams is thankful for her family of sponsors that help fuel her dreams: SE Telecom, Mobil 1, Paul Quail Transport, Onepromo.ca / Epic Racewear, The Mortgage Station, Speedy Auto Machine, Leading Edge Earth Works, Radical Rods, Rides and Restoration, Infinet Motorsports, Tyger Shark, Human 2.0, WIX Filters and Permatex.
To learn more about Kendra Adams follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KendraAdamsMotorsports, on Twitter at @2kendraadams and on her all new Tyger Shark powered website: kendraadamsmotorsports.com
About Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is a charity that provides counseling and referrals in both official languages as the only national helpline for young people. Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has offered kids and teens hope and support through its confidential and anonymous service. As an organization that speaks with young people every day, Kids Help Phone works to share their perspectives and improve their emotional health and well-being. Kids Help Phone raises the majority of its revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community fundraising.
Accredited member, Imagine Canada Standards Program.