Kiwanis Club golf tournament benefits local charities

Fortunately this storm would be a brief one; rain coming down in sheets for five minutes before disappearing for the rest of the afternoon, allowing golfers to comfortably shoot their way around the Atlantide golf course in Île-Perrot on Monday July 13th as they raised money for a number of local causes.

Finishing atop the leader board was a foursome made up of Kal Abunowara, Patrick Desranleau, Wayne Wong and Basil Kanno, who managed to shoot an impressive -9 in the vegas style tournament.

More importantly, the $15,000 raised will support many needy organizations with the primary beneficiary being the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH), receiving $7,500. WIAIH has been one of Kiwanis’ main targets for the past seven years due to their outstanding service to challenged children. “Over time the members of Kiwanis and WIAIH have gotten to know each other quite well,” explained Kiwanis President Margaret La Couvee. “Both groups are in their 51st year of service and members have often met at each other’s functions. Their association is very involved in the youth sector, which fits our creed: ‘Serving the children of the world.’”

In addition to golfer’s entrance fees, funds were raised via a live auction emceed by CJAD’s Kevin Holden and Trudie Mason, a silent auction and the sale of raffle tickets throughout the day. Headlining the items up for bid was a hockey stick signed by members of the Montreal Canadiens and a Taylor Made driver.

According to Kiwanian Peter Bedard, the tournament would not have been possible without the generosity of their many sponsors, including Banque Nationale, whose donation helped pay for participants’ golf carts.

The organizing committee chaired by Jacques Dubuc spearheaded the effort to recruit financial sponsorship for all 18 holes, where placards were displayed identifying each firm. Kiwanis also received support from the many local restaurants, which provided gift certificates to be packaged and offered as part of the silent auction.

Other causes receiving support from Kiwanis include the Boys and Girls Club of Lachine, Dr. Clown, St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Lachine, St. Anne’s Veteran’s Hospital and the Lakeside Academy Project to teach culinary skills.

Community-minded individuals are invited to attend the club’s weekly Wednesday meetings. For more information about the meetings or upcoming events, including Beatles Night in October, please visit http://www.lakeshorekiwanis.ca/ or call Margaret at (514)364-5867.