Golfers recently scored a hole-in-one for people with disabilities and those recovering from illness to help them continue living at home in the Lakefield and Apsley areas.
Community Care Peterborough (CCP) says the 7th annual “Golf Fore Care” tournament, held on September 9 at the Wildfire Golf and Country Club in Lakefield, was a success. The event raised $14,577.95, for CCP’s Lakefield and Apsley service offices.
“This funding plays an important role in helping our Lakefield and Apsley offices continue providing vital programs for local residents,” Chris LeBlanc, CCP’s director of donor and public relations, told kawarthaNOW.
“While we receive core funding from Ontario Health, it only covers about 55 per cent of our operating budget,” LeBlanc explained. “Each of our offices works hard to raise the remaining funds through donations, grants, and events like Golf Fore Care.”
To put that in perspective, LeBlanc said both CCP’s Lakefield and Apsley offices need to raise roughly $50,000 each year to maintain their services — “so a $7,000 boost (each) is a meaningful part of that. It helps ensure we can keep Meals on Wheels going, provide rides to medical appointments, and offer programs that support independence and well-being in our smaller communities.”
More than 115 golfers enjoyed a day of sunshine, sport, and generosity on one of the region’s top courses, according to a media release.
The tournament featured a barbecue buffet lunch, a plated dinner with an awards presentation, and fundraising elements, including a popular 50/50 draw. The winner took home nearly $600. There was also a seven-for-$20 raffle featuring premium prize packs, such as passes for foursomes at Wildfire Golf and Country Club and the Quarry Golf Club, Yeti coolers, and more.
“This tournament truly brings together our community in such a joyful and generous spirit,” said Lorri Rork, CCP’s community development coordinator for the Lakefield office, in a statement.
“It’s always such a pleasure to welcome players who not only love the game, but also care deeply about supporting their neighbours in Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, and North Kawartha (townships).”
CCP noted the day was made possible through strong community support and the sponsorship of local businesses. It gave a special shout-out to the year’s platinum sponsors — Kawartha Propeller, and a joint sponsorship from Alf Curtis Home Improvements and Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.
“We’re so grateful to our sponsors, players, and volunteers for making this event such a success,” added Katie Bryck, CCP’s community development coordinator in Apsley.
“The funds raised help us deliver essential programs like Meals on Wheels, transportation, and fitness classes for hundreds of local residents.”
The Lakefield office served 656 clients last year across Selwyn and Douro-Dummer townships, offering high-demand services like transportation to medical appointments, brokered home help and maintenance, falls prevention classes, wellness clinics, and hot Meals on Wheels.
Meanwhile, the Apsley office supported 227 clients in North Kawartha township, with popular programs including transportation, frozen Meals on Wheels, and in-person fitness classes.
Both offices are currently welcoming new volunteers, especially in the areas of driving, friendly visiting, and fundraising support, the release noted. For more information about volunteering, call the Lakefield office at 705-652-8655 or the Apsley office at 705-656-4589.
With more than 800 volunteers and eight local service offices, CCP provides a wide range of programs and services that support the health and well-being of residents across the city of Peterborough and in Peterborough County.
