Golf season has kicked off with a bang and there are seemingly tournaments on a daily basis. Thankfully for the not-for-profit sector, many tourneys are charitable in nature and this year will see millions of dollars raised for myriad charities.
The 21st anniversary of the Calgary Co-op Charity Golf Gala saw more than $300,000 raised for the Co-op Community Foundation which was officially launched in February 2012. Over the past 21 years, the tournament has raised over $4.4 million, which has all been re-invested in the Calgary community.
“This event is a great example of what it means to be a part of the community,” said Laura Babin, Director of the Co-op Community Foundation. “We have a long history with this event and the funds raised help elevate and build meaningful partnerships. Plus, the event itself engages our employees who all have a strong affinity towards philanthropic initiatives.”
Organizations benefiting from the generosity of the foundation over the years include the likes of: Alberta Children’s Hospital; Brown Bagging 4 Calgary’s Kids; Calgary Public Library; Calgary Drop-In Shelter; Calgary Food Bank; Airdrie and Wheatland County food banks; Kerby Centre; Accessible Housing Society; Calgary EMS Medic Moose; Enviros Wilderness School; Calgary Drop-In & Rehab; Ronald McDonald House; and the Calgary Zoo, to name but a few. This year, funds raised were shared among: Mustard Seed; YWCA; Habitat for Humanity; EMS Foundation; Meals on Wheels; and MRU Kids University.
Golfers gathered June 3 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino for the pre-tournament registration gala which featured super silent auction items and food and wine stations serving many of Co-op’s exclusive products. Suppliers and partners supporting the gala and golf tournament included: Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals; Advantage Sales and Marketing; the Calgary Flames; Coca-Cola; Jack Links/Cytosport; Johnson Inc.; McKesson Canada; and Saputo.
Guests in attendance at the gala are pictured at right.
