CENTRE WELLINGTON – On Oct. 20, 2017, Paul and Darcie Shepperd lost their son Cody to suicide.
“We made a promise to Cody that we would keep fighting for mental health like he did for his own,” says Cody’s mother, Darcie.
As part of that promise, on Sep. 7 the Cody Shepperd Project hosted its seventh annual golf tournament, raising funds for mental health supports and initiatives in Centre Wellington.
“It was an unbelievable day that started with an amazing rainbow which was pretty emotional for everyone taking part,” organizers state. “It set the stage for the rest of the day.”
As a major donor to the event throughout its history, Susan Frasson spoke to the golfers about why the Frasson family has supported the tournament each year and what Cody meant to their family.
Champions – Cody Shepherd Memorial Golf Tournament champions, from left, Thomas Hopgood, Garrett Bryant and Jon Murray. Champion Steve Degroot is missing from the photo. Submitted photo
The event also hosted Cecilia Marie Roberts, County of Wellington’s strategic wellness initiatives manager and Here4Hope project lead.
Roberts spoke to how the Cody Shepperd Project golf tournament funds have brought awareness and support to the community.
Roberts also provided statistics on suicide and what the community needs to do moving forward to make change.
Grove Hub executive director Jeff Hoffman spoke to how the funds raised have helped youth and the increase of support that has been made possible because of the tournament.
The Cody Shepperd Project, along with its 116 golfers, 30 volunteers, sponsors and prize donations, are thrilled to announce that this year, “an epic $36,300” was raised for the Grove Hub of Centre Wellington, a one stop shop for mental health and wellness operated for youth by youth.
To date, the Cody Shepperd Project, along with Neil Dunsmore’s walk from Elora to Ottawa in 2020, has raised a total of $218,000 for mental health supports and initiatives in the Wellington region.
“We honestly could not be this successful without the support of our community and sponsorships and we would like to thank our main sponsors the Frasson family, UTS Consultants, the Dixon family, Melita Auto, Wellness Initiatives, Aecon Construction, the Mullin family, Rock Interiors, Premium Promoworx, HCS Hydrogeology Solutions, Lebeau Excel, SM Polymers, and Tilted Toque Wilderness Lodge for their continued and generous help,” said Darcie.
Paul and Darice also expressed their thanks to the countless individuals and organizations who sponsored holes on the course and those who generously donated prizes.
“We would also like to give a special thank you to Neil Dunsmore for being our MC for the day, and WildWinds Golf Links for allowing us to host our tournament every year.”
The Cody Shepperd Project looks forward to hosting its eighth annual golf tournament on Sept. 6, 2025.
