Holly MacKenzie - Raptors.com
It was an exciting morning for Our Lady of Victory Elementary School on Tuesday. Kicking off the day with a visit from Kyle and Ayahna Lowry, 35 students between the ages of 6 and 13 were given a seven-minute shopping spree at Toys ‘R’ Us to help get them in the holiday spirit. Both the shopping trip and the visit from Lowry were a surprise.
“When I came to the school they yelled and screamed, they didn't know what was going on,” Lowry said. “Once they got here they got a chance to run around. We had some great kids. They were really good.”
As the children went through the store, Raptors Dance Pak members and volunteers helped to load up their carts with items on their wish lists. Particularly heartwarming was how Lowry’s generosity was replicated by the students partaking in Tuesday’s event. One the little boy made sure to choose presents for his sister who wasn’t in attendance, while another, upon being asked by a classmate what he selected, said he had chosen 13 items, eight of which for charity.
“That’s what it’s about,” Lowry said. “If these kids [already] understand it’s not only about them, we’ll have a bright future in this world.”
While Lowry is known for hard-nosed play on the court as well as being a man of few words off of it, the 28-year-old point guard regularly gives back. His preference is usually to do the majority of his work behind the scenes, but after re-signing with the Raptors in the offseason, Lowry made it a priority to give back to the city he’s representing.
After Tuesday’s seven-minute countdown was up, Lowry added another five minutes to the clock for an extra “overtime” period to give the kids another opportunity to make sure they had everything they wanted.
As the kids swooped in and out of aisles, Lowry and Ayahna’s three-year-old son Karter watched with wonder at the spectacle unfolding around him.
“I think its awesome for him, to look back when he’s older and to be a part of something like this,” Lowry said of having his son with him for the event. “I tried to explain what we’re doing and I think he understood to a certain extent.”
At the conclusion of the trip, Lowry rounded up the students to wish them a happy holiday and take a group picture. As if beaming faces weren’t enough of an indication of their appreciation and excitement, conversation between classmates circled around Lowry, the Toronto Raptors and the best morning ever. The store opened to patrons for regular business at 9 a.m. with chants of “K-Low” from the students ringing out.
“Being here with these kids [is the highlight],” Lowry said. “Just being able to be around these kids, hang around them, get to talk with them and put a smile on their faces.”
Of all the assists Lowry has dished out this season, there won’t be a more memorable one for each of the 35 children in attendance.