The Showdown in the Downtown was founded in 2009 by Dr. Faisal Rehman.  The initial purpose of this yearly charitable event was to raise research funds for The Matthew Mailing Centre for Translational Transplant Studies and the Lilibeth Caberto Kidney Clinical Research Unit.  However, given the tremendous success of this event, the beneficiaries have expanded to help alleviate homelessness, mental health conditions, and to help serve special needs populations.

 

This yearly event primarily features combat sports events involving amateur and professional Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts.  The event simulates a Las Vegas like atmosphere with food, drink and an amazing silent auction. The Showdown has also featured musical concerts with acts like Jim Cuddy, Chantal Kreviazuk, Our Lady Peace and Jann Arden.  Over 15 years, the Showdown has raised over $3 million for a variety of charities.

 

This year, for our 16th annual event, we have the following beneficiaries:

 

• The Lilibeth Caberto Kidney Clinical Research Unit is a 4000 square foot facility conducting over 30 clinical trials to better the lives of patients living with kidney disease.

​

•  The Matthew Mailing Centre for Translational Transplant Studies named in honor of Matthew Mailing who passed away at the age of 34 after a heart transplant, focuses on conducting basic science research to develop novel therapies for patients receiving kidney, pancreas, heart, liver and lung transplantation.

​​

• Making Mindfulness Matter is a concurrent parent and child program that offers a new approach to parenting in stressful situations and helps children build skills to manage their emotions and behaviors and build caring relationships with those around them.

​

• The Renal Patient Assistance Fund at London Health Sciences Centre helps patients on dialysis who are unable to afford groceries, or travel to medical appointments.

​

• The Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization uses the sport of boxing to enhance the lives of young adults living with Down Syndrome, Aspergers, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

​

• The Unity Project for the Relief of Homelessness in London provides home like shelter to our citizens facing homelessness.

​

• PHSS Medical and Complex Care provides support and housing to people living with physical and developmental disabilities.

​

• The Mary J Wright Youth and Development Clinic provides treatment to children and youth with educational, psychological, behavioural and speech language difficulties.

​

• DeafBlind Ontario supports people who are deafblind, as well as people who are Deaf, hard of hearing and non-verbal with a developmental disability, to live their best lives.