Reid Davidson's friends are determined to keep his memory alive and continue his impressive legacy.
Davidson, a 24-year-old soccer player and Vancouver Island University grad, was killed in a crash in July of 2023 when his car was struck on the Nanaimo Parkway by a minivan being driven the wrong way by a man police suspected was impaired.
On July 13, the first Reid Davidson Memorial Golf Tournament will take place at Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay. Proceeds from the event will go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
One of the tourney's organizers, Nick Crossen, said they want to "honour the memory of Reid Davidson and continue his legacy of kindness and community spirit" and also "raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to support local victims of drunk driving incidents."
"What happened to Reid was a tragedy," said Crossen, who met Davidson through the Nanaimo United Football Club. "He had his whole life going for him. This never should have happened."
There are still some spots open for the tourney, which will feature 128 golfers in a scramble format. Cost for golf and a big buffet dinner is $175, with dinner alone costing $65. There will be a variety of prizes for longest drive, longest putt and more, including a car (courtesy Wheaton Hyundai) as a hole-in-one prize on one of the holes and other raffle prizes.
"The response so far has been amazing," said Crossen. "(Fairwinds head pro) Travis Busch has been fantastic. The community is coming together for Reid. Lots of donations for raffle prizes, companies have already written cheques (to go to MADD) and more. Anything else that comes in, we'll be very appreciative. We are still looking for sponsors and anyone willing to donate. Every contribution gets us closer to making a real impact in Reid's name."
Crossen said driving service Uride has sent between 20 and 30 tickets for free 50-kilometre rides home from the event, with a promo code of RD13 throughout the day also available.
"We're here as a community and all as one," said Crossen. "There's always a safe way home. There's always a better way."
He added all involved want the event to be a celebration of Davidson.
"He was such an unreal person," said Crossen. "If you knew him for one day, it was like you'd known him his whole life."
MADD has already asked if the event will take place again next year.
"We hope so," said Crossen. "We want it to get bigger and bigger, so we're always looking for help. We can't let Reid's legacy go."
Anyone seeking more information on the tourney can call Crossen at 250-713-2326 or email nick.auroracrossen@gmail.com.
