Meet Athlete Ambassadors, Lawrence & Maverick Van Doelln | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2026
In the Von Doelln family, Special Olympics nights have become part of the weekly routine everyone looks forward to.
For six-year-old twins Lawrence and Maverick, that means favourite games, obstacle courses, and time spent with teammates and coaches who make every session exciting. For their parents, Claire and Dylan, it means watching both children grow more confident, social, and comfortable simply being themselves.
Now participating in FUNdamentals and Active Start programming with Special Olympics in Winnipeg, Lawrence and Maverick were introduced to the organization early through their older brother Hunter, who first joined the program when he was three years old.
“The twins were about the same age when they first started to tag along to Fundamentals to watch, then joined in as well!” their family says.
Today, both children have their own favourite parts of programming. Lawrence loves Line Tag, while Maverick can’t get enough of “What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf?” — and both look forward to the creative obstacle courses built into Active Start sessions each week.
But more than anything, they love the friendships and energy around them.
Their parents say one of the most meaningful parts of the experience has been watching the twins become more comfortable connecting with other children and stepping outside of their shells.
That growth reflects the message behind this year’s Empire Family of Brands in-store fundraising campaign: “Every best is personal.”
“To us, ‘Every best is personal’ means that success looks different for everyone — it’s about growth, not comparison,” Claire and Dylan say. “For our kids, their personal best is showing up with confidence, trying their hardest, and connecting with others.”
Every new friendship, skill, and moment of confidence is something worth celebrating.
“Every time they learn something new, make a friend, or push past a moment of hesitation, that’s their personal best — and it makes us so proud.”
Their family says inclusion through sport and community programs like Special Olympics creates benefits that extend far beyond the field of play.
That is why they hope Canadians will support Special Olympics athletes during this year’s Empire Family of Brands campaign.
“Every donation helps athletes like Maverick and Lawrence learn, grow and be part of something bigger,” Claire and Dylan say. “A small gesture at checkout creates big moments for these amazing kids.”
From June 11 to 21, customers visiting participating Empire Family of Brands stores across Canada can donate $2 at checkout to help support Special Olympics athletes like Lawrence and Maverick — helping create more opportunities for children, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience sport, confidence, friendship and community.
For the Von Doelln family, Special Olympics has already become something much bigger than a sport program.
“We’re so grateful for the Special Olympics community — it’s become a highlight of our family’s week,” they share. “The coaches and volunteers create such a positive, welcoming environment that celebrates every achievement, big or small. It’s been life-changing for our whole family.”
You can support Special Olympics athletes like Lawrence & Maverick by making a donation this June 11 to 21 at participating Empire Family of Brands stores including: Sobeys, Safeway, Ontario Foodland, Atlantic Foodland and participating CO-OPs, IGA West, Thrifty Foods, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores.
Learn more: www.specialolympics.ca/Empire
