Community, sports organizations to benefit from Mayor’s Golf Tournament

MINTO – The Minto Vikings, Palmerston Marlins, Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington (CRC) and the Harriston 150th Celebration Committee have been chosen by council as beneficiaries of the 16th annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament to be held in August at the Pike Lake Golf Centre.

CRC fund development coordinator Ali Kane-Decaire told Minto council on May 5 that funds will help support outreach and support programs providing local services including housing support, emergency food access, winter wear and more for community members.

“We are seeing a growing need for accessible, person-centred supports; many individuals and families are facing ongoing challenges meeting basic needs such as food, housing and income stability pressures that have intensified with the rising cost of living and limited access to nearby services,” Kent said.

Around 80 children will receive summer snacks, 70 will receive backpacks and school supplies, and another 65 will receive winter coats and boots, according to Kent.

She added that more than 600 people have been helped through referrals and advocacy, and 56 have received free income tax help.

Harriston Celebration Committee co-chair Lisa Leslie said money will go toward preparing for the 2028 homecoming. 

Palmerston Marlins girls’ softball president Sarah Magee-Burtch said funds will go to subsidizing tournament fees and uniforms for 115 young  female athletes on nine teams as the volunteer-run organization heads into its 32nd year.

“They’re excited to finally start getting on to the ball season,” Magee-Burtch said.

Minto Vikings hardball treasurer Janelle Hill said the new organization, with U7, U9 and U11 teams, wants a pitching machine, uniforms and baseball equipment to kick off its first season.

“We’re starting out small; see where it goes,” Hill said. “The funds from the mayor’s golf tournament are going to help us, kind of get us off the ground.”

Funds raised will be split equally across the four organizations after the tournament.

Mayor Dave Turton said the tournament has provided just short of $170,000 to 52 groups since 2011.