By Emily Jaycox for the Rimbey Review
Rimbey Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) held its eighth annual charity golf tournament at Spruce Haven Golf Resort near Bluffton on Aug. 16.
Although total numbers aren’t in yet, executive director Peggy Makofka believes they more than reached their $15,000 fundraising goal.
“I think we easily met and, perhaps, surpassed it,” said Makofka, adding that it will take a few weeks to get a final tally.
Makofka was pleased by the turnout and support the tournament received.
There were about 90 golfers and 50 volunteers who came out for the tournament, according to Makofka.
“It was wonderful,” she said.
“We had a really good day.”
Although the smoke from the B.C. fires made for a somewhat eerie and beautiful setting, it didn’t bother anyone, says Makofka.
“I don’t think it was a problem at all for our people.”
The tournament was full of “cool things” like games and refreshments along the way, including shrimp, hotdogs, and popcorn and pepperoni sticks.
One game was called “All Sports Golf.”
Four golfers’ names were drawn, and competed for the closest to the pin on two holes, using an assortment of sports gear, such as hockey sticks and badminton rackets.
The winner received a $100 gift card, sponsored by the golf resort, to a local restaurant.
After the nine holes of golf were completed, there was a steak supper, loonie auction and door prizes.
This year all proceeds of the tournament are going towards programs designed for seniors in the community.
“We recognize that the volume of seniors, across the country, is rising,” said Makofka.
“We want to make sure we are ready to meet the needs of and not turn anyone away,” she said.
Rimbey FCSS doesn’t want to have to put seniors on waiting lists for programs such as Meals on Wheels, or Home Support, says Makofka.
“We don’t ever want to be in that position.”
One big project Rimbey FCSS is hoping to bring to town in the future is Cycling Without Age.
In this program, a volunteers cycles a senior around outside in a buggy attached to the bike.
“We’re looking forward to getting that into the community in the next year or two.”
The program originated in Denmark, and there are already four other communities in Alberta that have it, says Makofka.
“We’d sure like to be number five.”
