The Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament: See you on the links! News Release

Brockville and Kingston ON: Mark your calendars for this year’s Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament on Wednesday, August 21 at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course situated in Lansdowne in the beautiful Thousand Islands region. The tournament recognizes the work of the late MP Gord Brown on behalf of people in most need in our region.

Money raised goes to local programming supported by the United Way Leeds & Grenville and provided by the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. All programs aim to strengthen our communities and ignite the spark of our individual and collective potentials.

“The United Way Leeds & Grenville is very proud to carry on MP Gord Brown’s charitable vision of helping people in Leeds and Grenville. The funds raised from the tournament will not only support UWLG and the YMCA, but also the 21 Community Impact Programs, funded by UWLG,” said Hailie Jack, executive director of UWLG. “We are particularly proud of this tournament, a premier event that many look forward to each year. You can expect an exceptional day of golf, delicious food, hockey VIPs and of collective action to remember and honor MP Gord Brown’s legacy. Please join us for this special event and together we will support so many outstanding local non-profits that are making real long term lasting change in our communities.”

The current economic climate has put pressure on many in our community and anyone already struggling is particularly challenged during this time. Food insecurity, social isolation, opportunities for youth and housing affordability are just a few of the pressures that many in our region are grappling with.

“Participants and sponsors may not realize the level of impact they have when they participate in the golf tournament or donate to the United Way or the YMCA,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “If we look at the impact to youth alone, last year, community support allowed the Y to provide about 30,000 meals through our youth programs. It is not unusual for kids to tell us that it is their first meal of the day or to ask to have food to take home to a sibling or a parent. We saw over 4,050 visits to Teen Night, almost 3,500 visits to the After School Drop-in and more than 430

visits to the Berm program in Gananoque from at-risk youth who want access to a safe and welcoming space for social engagement. Where else can these kids go to have supervised fun? When the community comes together a very real difference is made in people’s lives.”

Gord Brown’s family is proud to continue Gord’s legacy of giving back to our wonderful community. Gord’s mission was to ensure that everyone had an opportunity to thrive, and the Brown family is continuing this philanthropic work. Participating or sponsoring this event is a way to make this vision possible.

Golfers of all levels can support a worthwhile cause and enjoy a beautiful course – and have the opportunity to golf with a famous sports personality or two. This year’s tournament fees are $900 per foursome, $225 per person. Tournament fees include: golf, cart, special tastings/experiences at various holes, golf with NHL alumni, a chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the course, dinner and a live and silent auctions. The tournament has a 12 p.m. shotgun start.

If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, entering a team, or donating to our auctions, please contact Christine Radford at christine.radford@uwlg.org or 613-342-8889.

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About United Way Leeds & Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports   21 agency partner funded programs in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org

 

About the YMCA Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that is passionate about creating opportunities and advancing the well-being of the communities we serve. We do this by developing healthy and successful people who in turn create a positive impact in their neighbourhoods. The Y is Ontario’s largest non-profit provider of childcare with trademarked curricula. It offers fitness, aquatics and other specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Total Life Care, the Student Impact Program and others. www.eo.ymca.ca

 

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Christine Radford

Director, Resource Development

United Way Leeds & Grenville

christine.radford@uwlg.org

613-342-8889

 

or

 

Colleen Gareau

Director, Marketing & Communication

YMCA Eastern Ontario

colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca

613-888-9298