Three local organizations will use proceeds from the 2017 Minto Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament for youth-focused activities.
Receiving funds from this year’s tournament will be the Palmerston Imperials Pee Wee boys fastball team, Youth for Christ/Youth Unlimited of Minto and the Minto Safe Community Committee.
The Imperials team will be hosting the 2017 Canadian fast pitch championship for boys 14 and under at local ball diamonds from Aug. 9 to 15.
Team official Wayne Martin told Minto council on June 6 that organizers are expecting at least seven out-of-province teams, along with three or four from Ontario, for the event.
“It’s kind of a tourist opportunity the way it’s turning out. It’s way beyond what we expected, to have that many teams from out of province,” Martin commented.
Ken Mohle of YFC/Youth Unlimited said the group provides services to youth across Minto.
“Our focus is the youth, but our ultimate goal is that the community as a whole will be strengthened by our work with youth,” Mohle said.
He added that half the group’s share of the proceeds will be used to provide services for local youth, including updating equipment and holding events at the Upper Deck Youth Centre in Harriston, rental of a drop-in space for youth in Palmerston, financial assistance for youth to go camping with Youth Unlimited or rental of Sports facilities. The rest of the group’s share will go toward upgrades to the Upper Deck facility.
Todd Pridham of Minto Safe Communities said the group will use its funds “to expand a little bit more on some of our youth programs.”
Pridham said those programs include hosting a bicycle rodeo at the annual Safe Kids Day in Minto, an anti-bullying program and a video contest.
The 7th Annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament is Aug. 10 at Pike Lake Golf Centre Limited.
Over the past six years, the tournament has raised $56,000 for local community groups.
For more information about the tournament call 519-338-2511, visit www.town.minto.on.ca or email janet@town.minto.on.ca.
