A Marvin By Any Other Name
- EFN Staff | January 16, 2014
A Prince Albert man is trying to clear his name, even though he hasn't done anything wrong.
Last week, a news story aired on CTV about a man named Marvin Sanderson who had been charged with theft over $5,000 for allegedly stealing money from KidSport.
Right away, friends of Marvin C. Sanderson, who uses his middle initial in hopes of distinguishing himself from the accused, began texting him.
"I thought it should be okay," says Sanderson, "because I use my middle initial."
Although he says apparently the accused also uses the middle initial "C," which caused more concern - enough that when Sanderson heard on the radio that a Marvin C. Sanderson was charged with left, he marched down to the local media in Prince Albert to tell them who he was so that no one would confuse him with the accused.
Sanderson currently works as Muskoday First Nation's community services director, where he oversees sports and recreational programming.
He has also served as co-ordinator for the 2013 First Nations Summer Games and is well-known as a coach for softball as well as volleyball and track and field. He also helped organize the 1993 North American Indigenous Games.
"It's been tough because I've been involved in the sports world for years," explains Sanderson, "and the guy allegedly stole money from KidSport."
Sanderson has volunteered with KidSport, during which time he says the accused served on its Board of Directors.
This isn't the first time Sanderson has had trouble thanks to sharing a name. Years ago, he used to receive calls from creditors, and it's likely due to that connection that he couldn't get a loan until he was married.
He once even received a call about alimony - something he got a kick out of, given than he is still married.
Sanderson is confident that his local community of Prince Albert and home community of James Smith realize he is not the person accused of stealing from KidSport. He says he has had amazine support.
"I'm glad they didn't jump to conclusions."
He hopes by sharing his side of the story that he can reach everyone in the Saskatchewan sports world so they realize he hasn't been charged with anything.