Comedian organizes free show to raise money for high schools athletes

Do you remember a time when it was a surprise to discover that an artist you liked had some Portuguese blood in them? That feeling could be reminiscent of seeing yourself on a sodden surface. It was always reassuring to find representation among the illustrious people you may have looked up to. 

Well, nowadays, there are Portuguese descendants that proudly announce their heritage like a badge of honour. There is a litany of talent that can be found on the internet and it’s not so jarring anymore to uncover that someone you admire shares the same ancestry. Among the most prominent names in the diaspora, there is one man that has become synonymous with comedy and his name is Mike Rita. 

His stand up encompasses cultural themes that intersect with a millennial upbringing in a big city. Growing up Portuguese in Toronto sounds like the funniest thing ever. Many of his rants highlight some aspects that otherwise were taken as typical, when in fact can appear amusing or strange to outsiders, like the holy communion photo shoots, or how he can make the normalized beatings of corporal punishment sound like a rite of passage beyond the taboo of it all. It’s funny because it’s true and the man has a unique way of storytelling that makes these hard situations feel better for us. 

It’s amusing how he presents the struggle of a weed smoker living in an immigrant household that condemned anything deemed as drug use. For any sympathetic stoner that indulges in cannabis, that can hit hard!

What’s even cooler is when such esteemed people openly show their human side and community of service. Mike Rita just organized a display of spirit that has given back in such an epic way. When the senior student athletes of Bishop Marocco and St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary Schools qualified for OFSAA, both schools could not afford the cost to send the athletes to the championship. 

After hearing about the disheartening news, the comedian thought it would be a shame to let the kids get screwed over like that. Using his profile and social media influence, he took action to do something about it and announced a free show on Monday June 2, at the auditorium of Bishop Marocco, unbeknownst to the principal until they knew how far the needle moved. 

Growing up around the community, Mike Rita never lost touch of where he came from, often pulling from lived experience in his jokes. The school was home to so many in the community, including himself. When his effort resonated with so many others, they raised the money needed within hours of the announced free show. It was like a Hallmark movie in real life; the big miracle in Little Portugal. Blown away by the support, the comedian posted his gratitude online.

There were Portuguese businesses that contributed, artists that supported the show, and of course his fans and the general public that stepped up for the cause. What unfolded was a reunion of generations past and present with a culturally charged atmosphere. Nostalgia was omnipresent like the odour from a hidden stash.

The event itself attracted hundreds into the space and raised more money beyond the ten thousand they were seeking. There were performances from friends; Giuseppe the MC and Frank Spadone, as well as a musical act by The Manic Boys and Girls Club. 

Then, the headliner, Mike Rita, put on a legendary set that felt more of an open dialogue with the crowd, reminiscing on his teenage years intertwined with staple jokes that made him famous. It was the most hilarious and profound homecoming the school ever witnessed. The evening will be talked about for years to come. Moreover, everyone coming together for such a relatable and noble initiative is what will stand out over everything. 

Now, student athletes from underfunded schools will see their hard work culminate in Ontario’s high school championship in Ottawa, and they owe it all to one of their own. This is what dreams are made of. Mike Rita is not only the most famous Portuguese-Canadian comedian in the world, the man is a modern saint; a stoned monk with a heart of gold. His name will forever be etched in the minds of the children and in the community for whom he inspired everyone. This was a proud moment in Toronto history!

Devin Meireles/MS