The challenge is out to local golf clubs and members.
This Sunday (June 26), Stewart Creek Golf Club members look to break a $25,000 fundraising plateau from last year, but first, they have put out a challenge to other Bow Valley golfers.
In its second year, 100 Holes of Help is in full swing to raise funds for Banff YWCA’s Bow Valley women’s emergency shelter.
The local charity fundraising initiative sees an ironman-type scenario for a team of golfers with the goal to play as many holes as possible in one day.
A team of four undertaking the challenge will collectively receive pledges for the initiative that will go to the Y.
The idea was hatched last year by four Stewart Creek members who dubbed it 100 Holes of Help.
The plan is it takes place during summer solstice – the longest day of the year.
With a modest goal to golf all day and raise $10,000 in 2015, a Stewart Creek foursome – Jamie Perkins, Terry O’Neill, Richard McGivern and Rob Wagemakers – ended up playing 144 holes (5 a.m.-10:30 p.m.) and raising over $25,000.
The initiative greatly supports the Y and its efforts surrounding the shelter, said Paula Krupa, YWCA Banff fund development and communications manager.
“The funds go toward running shelter operations and to support the violence prevention outreach program, as well as support to victims not in the shelter when experiencing violence,” said Krupa.
“We’re really excited and grateful for the support.”
With the callout and challenge in place for local clubs by Stewart Creek, it was answered by the Canmore Golf and Curling Club (CGCC).
“The club has always been community minded,” said Darren Cooke, CGCC director of golf/general manager. “We asked our men’s club here if they wanted to participate, and the members jumped on board.”
A team of four from the CGCC hit the links on Sunday (June 19), starting at 6:30 a.m. in some drizzly weather.
The CGCC team – Peter Philp, Phillip Maffey, Jason Desoto and Frank Fruhwirth – managed to get in 146 holes (584 total) before calling it a day at 10:50 p.m.
The funds for the Y will continue to come in until the end of June.
Those interested for more information about 100 Holes of Help or to donate, go to ywcabanff.ca and click on the “donate to 100 Holes of Help” link.
