Several Chilliwack Golf Club professionals joined forces this week, playing for more than 16 hours to help raise money for the ALS Society of BC.
Luke Fedora, Kathy Stecyk, Kaleb Fisher, Eli Greene, Dylan Nickel, and Connor O'Dell all took part in the 20th annual PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS on Monday (June 23).
The ALS Society of BC said the golfers managed to hit their goal of raising $5,000. This is the fifth year that Chilliwack Golf Club has participated in the B.C.-wide event, and have now raised more than $25,000.
The six-some started playing the course at 6 a.m., and they managed to play their first round quite swiftly before the majority of the working staff arrived on scene. Throughout the day, dozens of members and supporters showed up to encourage them through their journey.
The team persevered for a total of 16 hours and 15 minutes, with each golfer completing 100 holes – the equivalent of more than five and a half rounds that day. The final putts for the group dropped at 10:15 p.m., almost an hour after the sun had set over Chilliwack.
“What was most important to us is that we hit our fundraising goal for a great cause,” said Fedora, marketing coordinator and teaching professional at the facility.
“We’re incredibly proud of the team at Chilliwack Golf Club,” he adds. “Thanks to the generosity of our members, sponsors, and local community, we’ve raised over $5,000 to help fund vital care programs. This event showcases our passion not just for golf, but also for making a real difference in the fight against ALS”.
The ALS Society has a goal of raising $250,000 this year via PGA of BC Golfathons, and has raised more than $3 million over its 20 years. There are more than 30 events taking place at various golf facilities throughout the province, and the list continues to grow.
“The team at Chilliwack Golf Club should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished,” said Donald Miyazaki, executive director of the society. “We are so fortunate to have their support at an incredibly busy time of year at their facility. Many patients and those affected by ALS call the Fraser Valley area home, so the club’s involvement means a lot to so many within our community.”
The events help fun registered patient programs and services that provide essential support, including a psychological treatment program, Camp Alohi Lani summer camp for children affected by ALS, and vital equipment to enhance patients' quality of life through the Robert R. Heinrich Equipment Loan Program.
Donations can still be made to support their efforts on Chilliwack Golf Club’s online fundraising page.
For more information, visit www.golfathonforals.com.
