Dove Men+Care Hosts Mentor’s Day with Toronto Raptors

Dove Men+Care has partnered with the Toronto Raptors to celebrate mentors and coaches.

Held at Scotiabank Arena’s IBM Practice Court, Mentor’s Day honored community leaders for their dedication to guiding youth, strengthening teams and inspiring positive change.

“I started coaching at 16 years old, inspired by a close friend and mentor who introduced me to basketball and showed me what it means to be a coach, a leader and someone who uplifts others,” said Toronto Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajaković. “Partnering with Dove Men+Care in their mission was an exciting opportunity to connect our team and organization with the incredible coaches and mentors who are shaping youth basketball across Canada.”

The Care Squad

Mentor’s Day reflects Dove Men+Care’s commitment to inspiring conversation and adding “care” where it’s most needed: spotlighting the crucial role mentors play in fostering athletic and personal growth. At the center of this initiative is Darko Rajaković, named the brand’s first chief care officer (CCO). Rajaković’s vision centers on recognizing and uplifting the mentors, coaches and leaders who embody the values of compassion, commitment and community.

Mentors shared their approaches to leadership and community engagement before participating in basketball drills led by the Raptors Sports Development Team. Head Coach Darko Rajaković and Assistant Coaches Pat Delany, Jama Mahlalela and James Wade later joined participants on the court. The day concluded with food, drinks and a Q&A hosted by Mariah Amber, the Toronto Raptors in-arena host, celebrating the winners of the Care Squad Contest.

Contest winners Justin Fields and Paul Maga were recognized for their contributions to basketball and their communities. Fields, founder of the Justin Basketball Program in Scarborough, was honored for his weekly commitment to mentoring youth. Maga, president of the Dundas Dynamo Basketball Club, was celebrated for his decade of coaching and organizing camps that inspire young athletes on and off the court.

“Coaching is about guiding athletes during the game, but mentoring goes deeper,” explained Maga. “It’s about understanding who they are as individuals, what they’re going through and how best to support them—whether through positive feedback or constructive criticism. Mentorship means showing genuine interest in their lives and futures, encouraging them and sharing knowledge to help them grow not just as athletes, but as people.”