6th Annual Men’s Slo-Pitch Charity Tournament to be held over weekend

In what has become a summer tradition, Christmas Park will play host to the 6th annual Beaconsfield Men’s Slo-Pitch Charity Tournament this week. Money is raised for a variety of causes in the West Island, many for the benefit of children.

Some of the associations receiving donations include the West Island Women’s Shelter, Juvenile Diabetes, Children’s Wish Foundation, Nova West Island and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the West Island. Additionally, important educational institutions like Christmas Park School and the Beaconsfield Library, receive support.

A large portion of the funds are generated through a large raffle, with proceeds from team registration fees and donations from sponsors also going towards the selected charitable organizations.

“We’re not that big,” tournament co-chair Rick Simpson offers modestly. “We just want to give back to the community that has given us so much.”

With over $80 000 raised over the past five years, it’s safe to say that they’ve done their part and then some. Yet they continue to fundraise and work hard towards improving the local community, all while having a little fun.

Speaking of fun, tournament play begins with games Thursday and Friday evenings, continues all day Saturday, and culminates with the playoffs on Sunday. Last year’s winners, the Colcannons, will be back to defend their title and will be joined by seven other teams looking to take that distinction away from them. Groups from other sports initiatives, such as Beaconsfield Hockey, Kirkland Touch Football and Kirkland Softball will field teams, and larger corporate groups, such as Merck Frost, are also sponsoring squads. Merck has been particularly generous in years past, providing extra financial support as well as raffle items.

“It’s to support a number of good causes and should be a lot of fun,” Simpson concludes. “I think everyone ends up a winner.”

Those who would like more information on the tournament, the charities sponsored or how to donate, can contact Rick by telephone at (514)697-5884, or via email at revs@videotron.ca.