Shriners charity golf tournament going global this year
Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer
The Sioux Lookout Shrine Club will be hosting a charity golf tournament from July 1 to 5 this year to raise funds for Big Wheels Keep on Turning.
The tournament has been altered this year to meet COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, but those alterations are allowing the tournament to go global this year.
Golfers around the world can participate at any course by registering for the two-person best ball tournament and submitting their score cards anytime between July 1 and 5. Not only will participants be enjoying golf action, but they’ll be supporting children attending The Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada in Montreal.
“It took some innovative thinking from members of the organizing committee. Last year we had a very successful tournament. We raised enough money for two wheelchairs, which was $10,000. We were looking forward to doing that again this year, however in the present state of COVID-19 people have to think outside the box. We have chosen a method of continuing with a long tradition where we can get out, we can play golf, and we can still enjoy company at a physical distance with only two players doing best ball. What COVID has actually allowed us to do, again through thinking outside the box, is we’ve been able to go global. By not having to have everybody at one golf course, you can play anywhere in the world, anytime between July 1 and 5, and send us in pictures of your scorecards,” explained Tara Drew, representative from the Ladies of the Sioux Lookout Shrine Club.
“The Big Wheels (Keep on Turning) charity is part of the Shriners hospitals for children, and Big Wheels (Keep on Turning) is all about purchasing wheelchairs for Shriners patients in their hospitals to get to and from their appointments. The Shriners run 22 hospitals in North America, of which there is no fee for any child to attend. Also when you become, what we call them a Shriners child, transportation is also provided for the family to and from appointments. We actually have a family here in Sioux Lookout whose child goes to the Montreal hospital, so we have a local connection.
“It’s $25 to register, you can play at any course, and Shriners Hospitals Canada, a registered charity, will send you a $25 tax receipt… There will be a prize for men’s and ladies closest to the pin, and there will be prizes for most creative COVID golf costume. Please use homemade PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and leave the real stuff to the professionals. There will be random draws because we can’t do a silent auction as we regular would do,” Drew continued.
According to khartumshriners.org , “Our project this year is to continue “Big Wheels Keep on Turning 2020” and the goal will be to raise $20,000 to purchase four wheelchairs. There will be several events held to raise the money like: Thirty-One Gifts Sale, Craft/Vendor Sale, Circle of Friends Brunch with the assistance of Sphinx Temple no. 116, Daughters of the Nile and the Sioux Lookout Golf Tournament.”
Drew said those looking to participate can contact her to receive a registration form. The first 50 registrants will receive a thank you gift.
“People can contact me at [email protected] or giving me a phone call 647-971-3362 and we can get them a registration form. The first 50 people to sign up get a $50 cell phone charger as a thank you gift,” she said.
“Sioux Lookout has always supported charities above and beyond. We know everybody is going through a tough time right now, and we appreciate the opportunity to go out, have some fun, and support a good cause,” she concluded.
