Due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of mass gatherings and shotgun start golf tournaments non-profit organizations across Saskatchewan and Canada are missing out on massive fundraising dollars.
Humboldt’s chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is no different, the group was forced to push their annual Diva for a Day Golf Tournament to 2021. General Manager of the Humboldt Golf Club (HGC), Corey Schweitzer approached avid golfer, and familiar name on the men’s Saskatchewan amateur tour, Paul Raycroft about a different event to raise funds for the mentorship-based organization.
Raycroft used to coordinate the ‘Longest Day of Golf’ in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. prior to moving to Saskatchewan for a position with the Horizon School Division. Being a teacher and guidance counsellor within the division Raycroft knows how important mentorship can be.
“There is a lot of kids out there with split families or single-parent families and that type of thing,” Raycroft told Golf Saskatchewan. “I think a lot of these situations arise and it fills a void in kids’ lives. I can’t think of anyone more than Brody Hinz (who passed away in the Humboldt Broncos’ bus crash) here who many of us taught. He was very active in the BBBS community and pretty much the perfect example of that, so I just want to do a little bit and give back and help kids.”
Raycroft, along with former HGC General Manager Cam Koskie and current HGC employees Schweitzer and Aaron Baker will play from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, June 28. Raycroft said when he ran the event in Ontario his group played at most 108 holes, the foursomes’ goal here in Humboldt is 120.
BBBS is missing out on $11,000 that the organization raised at their women’s fun day last year. Raycroft said using a sport he loves to give back is an easy thing to do.
“Obviously I love golf, it’s been a big part of my life for the last 20 years or so,” he said. “It’s four guys that know each other well and are friends that get to spend the day together and play golf selfishly speaking but at the same time the goal is to raise as much money as we can for Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
For pledges Raycroft will accept lump sum payments with donations of $20 or more earning a tax receipt. Any giver can also pledge on a per hole basis. Any donor will also be entered to win a prize pack that could include:
- A round of golf for four people with two power carts at the Humboldt Golf Club
- A round of golf for four people with two power carts at the Melfort Golf Club
- Golf lesson with Carolyn Janidlo
- Gift Basket from Tree House Treasuries
- Lucky Bastard Distilleries “Basket of Goodies”
More information on how to donate can be found here or you can contact Raycroft at 306.715.1009.