Two local businesses have teamed up to introduce a new charity that seeks to ensure Sundre children all have an equal opportunity to play whatever sports they might not otherwise be able to get involved with because of financial restrictions.
The inaugural Play 4 Sundre Kidz golf tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 29 at the Coyote Creek Golf and RV Resort. Chris Vardas, one of the two local business owners involved in organizing the event, briefly stepped down from his role as municipal councillor during the June 26 meeting to ask his colleagues whether they would consider sponsoring the event or possibly even registering a team on behalf of the Town of Sundre.
Vardas told council he had the idea in mind for many years. Following a conversation with fellow business owner Rob Warren, who was interested in getting involved, efforts to organize the charity began.
All of the money raised will be allocated to helping children get involved in sports of all kinds ó from hockey to dance to swimming lessons and bowling, he said.
"Anything that keeps them happy and keeps their dreams going."
Financial situations for families fluctuate year in and year out, and some parents sometimes find themselves struggling to provide those kinds of opportunities for their children. Greenwood Neighbourhood Place has also gotten involved in providing some direction, he said.
To avoid potential conflicts, the funds collected will go to the Wetaskiwin Foundation, which will send out tax receipts to everyone who donated, and a board will be put together with terms of reference to consider requests as they arise, he said.
Coun. Myron Thompson inquired about the level of response to that point, to which Vardas said some 13 sponsors had gotten involved and that efforts were focused on getting more teams registered. Organizers hope to have 144 golfers participate in the event, which will also include a 50/50, a silent auction as well as a raffle table.
Thompson motioned for the Town of Sundre to support a team entry of staff members to be decided by administration, which council carried unanimously.
