Hosted by the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, this year's Father's Day Classic Charity Golf Tournament is set to run June 14.
Heading into its third year, the event will be held at the Ponoka Golf Club with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. (registration begins at 11:30 a.m.)
"Last year, we partnered with the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation, and we held it out at Blackfalds," said Patrick Rurka, legacy committee chair.
"Wetaskiwin Health Foundation is our parent (organization) - they manage the legal, accounting and regulatory aspects for the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, but what is raised within the Rimbey Hospital or donations that are made (go) directly to our hospital," he explained.
As to the upcoming tournament, Rurka said the event has met with terrific support from the community.
Currently, fundraising is going towards the ADL/Recreation Therapy kitchen, which faces challenges that hinder its ability to fully support the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of residents, said Rurka.
"Despite the maintenance team's efforts to keep the kitchen functional, the limitations of the space have severely restricted the ability of residents to engage in meaningful and productive activities independently.
"A complete renovation of the kitchen is essential to address these challenges, ensuring the kitchen is safe, functional, and wheelchair-friendly. This renovation would allow cooking, baking, and craft programs to resume fully, which are vital to the residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. This renovation is not just about a physical space - it's about creating an environment where residents can thrive, connect with others, and enjoy meaningful, fulfilling activities that significantly enhance their day-to-day lives."
Rurka has no doubt in the community's continued solid support, which, as mentioned, has been a constant over the years.
"Rimbey has been overwhelmingly helpful in everything we have brought forward. I can't say enough about the compassion, and the willingness to help within the Rimbey area."
He noted that time and again, fundraising goals are met early.
"The community continues to step up, and to offer its help financially as well as through volunteerism. It's been so fun being chair of the committee over the last five years because of that," he said.
"They also always step up and help to make this hospital an amazing place. I tell people the Rimbey Hospital is the heart of this community when you look at the number of people it employs, and the ability it has to draw people to the community because we have access to some of the highest levels of care," Rurka explained.
"It all makes this community safer and more accessible. It fills my heart."
He recalled the time when several small community hospitals were being closed years ago, and yet Rimbey's was in line for a full renovation.
"It was also this community that stepped up in order to make that happen," he said.
"And because of that, we've been able to maintain amazing physicians, nurses and support staff that have come to this community to call it home."
Rurka isn't surprised at that kind of robust support, adding he and his wife Heather saw plenty of community spirit - and generosity - from the get-go when they made Rimbey their home many years back.
"The doors were opened - people wanted to meet you, and to help make you feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed.
"I call it the 'Island of Rimbey' - you step into this world and find an open heart, an open door, a willingness to help, and an ability to step forward for charity events. I can't think of a better place to live."
Meanwhile, the deadline to register for the Father's Day Classic Charity Golf Tournament is June 9.
Those interested in taking part can register onine at www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com.
