Founded in Montreal’s east end, DOD Basketball is more than a basketball school—it’s a community-driven organization committed to youth development, social inclusion, and life skills that extend far beyond the court. With programs that blend athletics, mentorship, cultural engagement, and social intervention, DOD Basketball has spent over two decades creating meaningful impact for young people and families who need it most.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
DOD Basketball is a basketball school whose mission is to inspire players of all ages by fostering a love for basketball, promoting teamwork, and building life skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. We aim to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential both on and off the court.
Our programs include the DOD team for athletes aged 5 to 12 (grade school) and the Avatars team for athletes aged 12 to 18 (junior and high school). Over the years, we have expanded beyond sports to include social and cultural components, because our philosophy is very clear: we can have kids in the gym six to eight hours a week, but they live 24 hours a day in their neighbourhoods.
Through our Ambassador of Togetherness program, we support new student immigrants who want to become involved in city life. In 2023, this work led to a scientific research initiative. We also run the Evasion program, which supports marginalized teens who may be flirting with crime, and offer barbershop activities where youth can receive a free haircut or learn barbering skills.
Another highlight is Evasion Beauty, where teenage girls are pampered with esthetic services such as nails, lashes, makeup, and henna, while also being introduced to female youth workers they can turn to for support, employment guidance, or personal challenges. In the summertime, we expand programming through our DOD Sports Branch. We are also proud to be the first Nike Basketball program in Québec—hence our motto: “Beyond Basketball.”
What problem does it aim to solve?
We address employment opportunities, youth representation at the municipal level, and family concerns. Our goal is to offer a diverse calendar of activities to engage athletes and their peers, lower crime activity and recruitment, develop athletes or introduce them to team sports, help youth manage the student-athlete lifestyle, and ensure coaches are recognized as both sports intervention experts and youth workers.
When did you start/join it?
Mr. Richard Destiné, Mr. Jerry Jourdan, and I, Mr. Beverley Jacques, started DOD Basketball in 2003. At the time, I had quit my job, Richard had just graduated from web school, and Jerry was working in video and editing. Jerry captured the action with his crew, Richard convinced many of his close friends to volunteer, and I handled the rest.
It began as a tournament for the first three years and became a basketball club for kids under 12 in 2006. Today, Richard is the president, we have over 300 athletes participating in the club, and more than 100 teens involved in our social programs.
What made you want to get involved?
We wanted to create a basketball event that resonated with young adults. I was already coaching at a young age, and Richard, Jerry, and I all grew up in the same area of St-Léonard. It was an opportunity to become leaders and offer something different for the borough—and it worked.
What was the situation like when you started?
Believe it or not, sponsors put us on the radar early on. We worked with Reebok, A&W, real estate agents, pharmacies, local clothing shops, and more. We had Powerade at the time, which later led to a relationship with Coca-Cola. Malik “Verstyle” Shaheed promoted us on the hip-hop equivalent of MuchMusic, bringing instant visibility.
We were one of the only basketball tournaments with a website and a DVD release, inspired by And1 and The Notic. Originally named Do or Die Basketball, we later shortened the name to DOD after realizing that appealing to sponsors meant adjusting our image—yes, that included trading baggy jeans and backwards hats for suits at meetings.
How has it changed since?
After 23 years, our focus has shifted toward sustainability. Our goal is to acquire real estate and reduce dependence on grants. A strong social economy is necessary so the organization can prosper long after current leadership steps away.
We want our own gyms, which has led us to conversations with leaders like Stephanie Rudnick in Toronto and Karina Naim of La Cage Sportiva. Infrastructure is key, especially as schools increasingly reclaim their gyms after 7 p.m. While there are now more basketball organizations—which is positive—it also brings new challenges.
What more needs to be done?
Simply put, we need to learn to collaborate off the court and compete respectfully on the court. Athletes and teens will come and go, but rebuilding trust with vulnerable and marginalized youth is essential. Adults’ issues often impact teens the most, and they suffer for it. We must show them we are available and consistent.
How can our readers help?
Venture capitalists and investors are welcome to discuss our plans to build a sports hub. Readers can also support us by helping generate online income through following our platforms or purchasing gear from our store.
Do you have any events coming up?
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Coalition Pozé — an organization working to prevent gun violence.
