Coalhurst First Responders gear up for charity golf tournament

SSN file photo

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

The Coalhurst First Responders Society will be holding the second annual charity golf tournament on June 25 at the Land-O-Lakes Golf Course in Coaldale. The Coalhurst based society is raising funds to further give back to their community, by providing support and services. The golf tournament will be organized by volunteers of the Coalhurst First Responders Society. Initiatives funded by the society include providing support and sponsorship to a family in need during the holiday season by donating gifts and food.

The society has also donated to the Lethbridge Family Services Angel Tree Christmas Campaign and recently sponsored a free first aid course for residents of the town of Coalhurst. “ All of the proceeds from this event will be returned into our community as opportunities and needs arise,” explained Melissa Oudshoorn, volunteer firefighter. “Our first tournament was in 2019, and unfortunately, we’ve had to miss the past two years. In the 2019 tournament, we raised just over $4,400 to return into our community.” The event was delayed during COVID, so the society is looking forward to being able to conduct in-person fundraising again, and enjoy the competitive spirit of the event, Oudshoorn explained. “At this year’s tournament, we are looking forward to a fantastic day of golf followed by an excellent dinner and some great prizes from local sponsors.” Although this fundraising event is relatively new, Oudshoorn said the inaugural event in 2019 was a big success, and its inception coincides with the inception of the society itself. “The idea for the golf tournament came about at the time that the Coalhurst First Responder’s Society was formed. In 2019, the volunteers of the Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department formed the society in order to give back to the community that generously supports us,” explained Oudshoorn, and added organizing the golf tournament was a natural next step to get the ball rolling on fundraising for the society. “After the society was created a meeting was held and the golf tournament was set in motion.”

The Coalhurst First Responders Society is still actively seeking community sponsors for the event in the form of donations for silent auctions and door prizes, tournament prizes, including services, products, gift cards, or monetary donations. Businesses are also able to sponsor a hole in exchange for advertising at the tournament. “If you are unable to provide a donation at this time, we encourage you to consider entering a team.” The cost is $500 per team of four and includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, and dinner. Individuals can register for $125 per person. To register to participate in the event or to pledge sponsorship contact, contact the society directly at cffs@shaw.ca