A fun-focused crowd of golfers enjoyed a day out at Hidden Valley Golf Club on Friday during the Young Focus Charity Tournament.
The golfers raised just shy of $16,000 for Young Focus Canada, which is this country's arm of youth charity Young Focus Philippines. The money will go towards helping underprivileged children in the Smokey Mountain Tondo area of Manila with education and personal growth.
Jeff Pierson, who played 18 holes at the charity competition and is also a volunteer with Young Focus Canada, said this year's golf tournament was the group's third annual event and every dime that is raised during the day goes to the Philippine charity. He said they have raised more than $16,000 and attracted a bigger crowd to the golf tournament before, but have lessened their goals due to the economic downturn.
“We've had about 60 golfers out this year, which is great,” said Pierson. “Having it at Hidden Valley, they've been very accommodating to our organization. We're thankful for that.”
Tareina Hunt, who organized the annual tournament, said Young Focus is a small organization and they are happy to help raise money and awareness for their cause. She said the support they receive from the community each year for the tournament is fantastic and they are pleased they are receiving support again this year, considering the downturn in oil and the low Canadian dollar.
“Last year we raised $27,000 at the golf tournament alone which was amazing,” said Hunt. “Year one we raised $15,000 to $17,000. And this year, honestly, I don't have a goal. I'm just thankful we have golfers.”
Pierson said this is the only major fundraiser he and Hunt run each year and it is the main Canadian event of the charity arm. He said they use the tournament to raise money and awareness for a good cause, but they also want to make sure everyone enjoys themselves on the course.
“We have a barbecue for everyone,” he said. “We have a video for everyone to show what we're raising money for and we have prizes. It's just a great day and I am grateful for the support that we get.”
