The fifth Copperbelt Charity Golf Classic teed off at Meadow Lakes Golf Club recently.
The tournament, founded by Scott Kent and Amanda Leslie in 2018, has contributed more than $100,000 to directly support local health, literacy and educational initiatives.
The event raised funds for the Yukon T1D Support Network, which supports Yukon citizens with Type 1 Diabetes, and the LDAY Centre for Learning.
LDAY is dedicated to increasing awareness of learning differences and supporting children, youth and adults with learning difficulties or disabilities.
Eighteen teams of four golfers took part in the event.
The featured celebrity guest was former Calgary Flame Tim Hunter. The Flames alumni member answered the call to come to Whitehorse.
“I said, ‘Sure, I’d love to take part and go to Whitehorse.'”
Hunter’s family and friends have a history in the territory.
His grandfather, W.H. Olive, came to the Yukon in the late 1800s and built the first paddlewheelers on Bennett Lake.
“I was looking at the bookstore and saw some of the pictures and some of the stats on what the boats were able to hold,” related Hunter.
“I’ve been here a number of times. I’ve always loved coming to the Yukon. So it’s exciting. And when it involves charity and kids and giving back to the community, that’s a big part of what I do in my free time.”
Hunter said another Flames alumnus, Robyn Regehr, was here last year.
He said, “if any of you guys get the opportunity, make sure you do it, because it’s a hell of a trip. Great people, great community, great cause, well-run, and you’ll have a great time and they’ll take you fishing if you like fishing, and that’s right up my alley.”
Hunter added that he likes to help with “anything that gives back in the community to kids and youth. Something that’s a real need in the community and these guys, Scott Kent, they have a passion for some of these endeavours they want to give back to, and that’s our main goal as a Flames’ alumni, is giving back to young people. Not always in sport, but youth and things that affect our young kids in the community.”
Kent said they had a record number of teams and sponsors this year.
“It’s a great way to get together with friends and celebrate some folks like Travis Adams, from Nuway Crushing and raise some money for a worthwhile cause.”
Adams tragically lost his life in a vehicle accident in 2020 near Marsh Lake.
Some local celebrities took part, including Gavin McKenna and his father, Willy.
“Gavin and his family have been great, very generous with providing some autographed jerseys for our auctions. Dylan Cozens as well.”
A silent auction and a live auction were held at the event.
Hunter also contributed a jersey and some pictures to the auctions. Other prizes include a couple of trips on Air North.
Kent added a thank you to the sponsors, including Nuway Crushing and “a host of others that have just really stepped up and helped us out. We couldn’t do it without them and we couldn’t do it without all the folks that are out there swinging clubs today.
“So obviously pretty happy. And a big shout-out to my wife, Amanda, as well.”
The tournament went to a playoff and was won by Colin Nash, Chris Nash, Kurt Neunherz and Tyler Murray.
The amount of $40,000 was raised last year. This year’s total is still to be determined, but Kent said they are hoping to surpass last year’s total.
