Written By Olena Riznyk
MOUNT BRYDGES – A long-running local charity golf tournament has raised $3,600 for two organizations serving the community.
The Caradoc Open Golf Tournament, organized by Royal Canadian Legion Caradoc Branch 251, brought 72 golfers to Wardsville Golf Club on September 12.
This year’s proceeds will be divided between Strathroy Hospice and the Mount Brydges Caring Cupboard. After the final numbers were calculated, including a cash donation, the tournament raised $1,800 for each organization.
Dennis Dixon, past president of Branch 251, said he and current president Jim Burr organized this year’s tournament. They were joined by several volunteers who helped collect donations from local businesses, prepare the prize table, organize and serve the meal and keep the golf portion of the event running. Support from local businesses also plays an important role in the tournament, with donations helping organizers fill the prize table each year.
Dixon said the Legion has had a relationship with Wardsville Golf Club through the charity event for more than 40 years.
Over the years, the tournament has supported organizations including the Salvation Army, Women’s Rural Resource Centre, Mount Brydges Caring Cupboard and Strathroy Hospice. Each year, members nominate local organizations, discuss the options at a general meeting and vote on where the money will go.
Dixon said Strathroy Hospice was selected in part because it is a relatively new organization offering an important service to the community. The Caring Cupboard was chosen because organizers continue to see the need for food assistance locally. “Unfortunately, the demand for food support has increased over the years we have been involved,” Dixon said.
Beyond raising money for local organizations, the tournament also gives golfers and volunteers a chance to spend time together. The tournament uses a scramble format, where golfers play as teams rather than relying entirely on their individual scores. “Golfers really enjoy the team event known as a ‘scramble’ because golf can be a humbling individual sport at times, but the team event allows each foursome to really have fun,” Dixon said.
For Dixon, the format also fits the larger purpose of the event. “It also lines up with the whole team concept needed to run the event, and support needed within a community to make life a little better for others,” he said.
Dixon thanked the golfers, volunteers and local businesses whose support helped make another year of the Caradoc Open possible.
