Saskatchewan Children’s Wish Foundation using golf to raise funds

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for Saskatchewan's Swing and a Wish golf tournaments.

The Saskatchewan chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation is hosting two fundraising golf tournaments in Saskatchewan this summer to help give ill kids a once in a lifetime experience.

The Willows will play host to the 15th annual tournament in Saskatoon on Friday, June 14. Regina’s second annual fundraiser will take place on Monday, June 24 at the Wascana Golf & Country Club. Saskatoon tournament coordinator Catherine Lunn said last year TSN hosts Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole were huge hits with the almost 100 participants and they hope to potentially bring them back.

“They are ‘wish granters’ for us, they granted a wish out in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia so they were our guests last year. They were a hit. We’re still up in the air this year for a celebrity, Jan and Dan will come, we just need someone to sponsor and help us pay for them,” Lunn expressed.

The golf tournaments are not focused on scores or high skill levels. Lunch is provided, hole sponsors provide plenty of prizes, a prime rib supper at The Willows is also included. Raffle draws and other fun games take place through out the “Banquet of Wishes” as well. Lunn said the overall event is a fun filled day.

“It’s not a tournament to be intimidated, I’ve seen people that really don’t know what they are doing take part,” she laughed. “It’s definitely open to amateurs. Some people are like, ‘I’m not very good.’ I’m like. We are here to make money, how you perform and have fun is up to your teammates.”

Several sponsorship packages for groups and corporations are still open. Individual golfers looking to participate can register for $250 that includes participation in all the activities. For more information contact Lunn at 306.477.8588 or you can visit the Children’s Wish website.

“We grant wishes to kids between three and 17 with life threatening illness or high-risk therapy. Since 1984 we’re over 26,000 wishes granted, in relation to this tournament we have funded 121 wishes and those are currently being planned,” Lunn said.

They hope to sell out both tournaments, capacity is 144 golfers. Lunn said their goal is $80,000 per event.