The goodwill from this year’s Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament here will extend beyond provincial borders, even across an ocean.
The Minto Refugee Settlement Committee is one of three local groups selected to receive a portion of the proceeds from this year’s event, slated for Aug. 11.
The event will also benefit the First Palmerston Scouts and Palmerston Minor Ball.
The tournament typically generates about $3,500 for each of three designated organizations.
Dave Mallett of the refugee settlement group said the idea of sponsoring a Syrian family originated with the local Knox Calvin Church congregation, which had helped to resettle a Vietnamese family in the 1970s and a Romanian family in the 1990s.
“This has been a source of joy for many in the congregation when they get cards and letters from the families with mention of their family members and their success in Canada,” said Mallett.
He added the sponsorship effort has become a community project, with involvement from several other local churches, organizations and individuals.
The group is hoping to raise between $25,000 and $30,000 to help provide for the sponsored family during their first year in Canada (the federal government covers the family’s expenses for six months).
“Once they have language skills we will be able to work with them to look for work in the area,” said Mallett, adding the group hopes to have a family in place by September.
Representing Minto Minor Ball, councillor Ron Elliott said the group “is in really dire straights for equipment,” and will put the funds from the tournament toward upgrades in that area.
“We try to keep fees as low as possible for people to join our minor ball system,” he noted.
Rory Norris, a member of the First Palmerston Scouts, said the group has been raising funds for members to attend the Canadian Scouting Jamboree in Nova Scotia in 2017.
“The cost with transportation and meals is more than most families can afford so we are trying fundraise money,” he said, adding the group is also selling popcorn and running a food canteen at community events to generate funds.
The cost to enter a team in the golf tournament, to be held at Pike Lake Golf Centre, is $500 and includes golf, cart and a steak dinner. Call 519-338-2511 by July 29 to register. A registration form can be found on the town’s website at town.minto.on.ca.
