Veterans Memorial Lodge Charity Golf Tournament postponed

Kevin M. Carlé, Broadmead Volunteer Golf Committee ~

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in so many ways. As we continue to “plank the curve,” we really don’t know what the “new normal’ will be like.

Many events have been cancelled or delayed, including the 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Broadmead Veterans Memorial Lodge.

Originally scheduled to be held on June 4 at the famed Royal Colwood Golf Club, the organizing committee made the difficult decision to postpone the tournament until 2021. However, all is not lost, and the show will still go on.

We will be “taking our mulligan” by holding a virtual Stay ‘N Play event.

This live-streamed event will include messages from our sponsors, Broadmead Care’s CEO, and residents/family members; suggestions from a golf pro; live draws for the Diamond Raffle, 50/50 draw, and our grand prize of a $1,000 Capital Iron gift card – but you have to be online for the entire streaming event to be eligible for that one!

Diamond Raffle tickets are available at https://www.broadmeadcare.com/diamond-raffle/

About the tourney

From humble beginnings, this charity tournament to support military veterans has grown into a significant fundraising vehicle for Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead.

Vice-Admiral (Retired) Nigel Brodeur, who, along with now deceased MGen (Retired) Herb Pitts, and veteran Jim Parker organized the first tournament at Cadboro Bay Golf Course in 2004.

“We were pleased to have raised some $600 that year,” recalled Brodeur.

Then, in 2005, the high value prize was $400 in gift certificates donated by Tom Martin, owner of Hillside Esso and a strong supporter of Broadmead.

Over the years, the tournament has grown in the number of players, the amount raised annually, and the number of appealing prizes and silent auction items.

“In addition to being an event for golfers, the annual tournament brought other folks into Broadmead Care, where they contributed to raising awareness of Veterans Memorial Lodge, the veterans and seniors who live there, and increased support for fundraising efforts,” said Brodeur. “I recall in 2008 that we raised $4,000 and our prizes were tickets for a flight to Vancouver, a printer, four golf shirts, packages of golf balls and the like.”

Then things really got serious.

Other retired senior officers became involved – such as retired Admirals Gary Garnett, Bob George, and Russ Moore.

It was during Gary Garnett’s time as volunteer Chair the Navy versus Army Challenge started.

“Thanks to the wonderful generosity of World War Two veteran Rudi Hoenson over the past few years, we developed a new way of providing significant support for the Annual Charity Golf Tournament,” said Garnett. “We have a great group of enthusiastic volunteers on the organizing committee and their collective efforts to solicit support from defence companies and the local community has really helped us to support veterans and our seniors.”

This past year, $122,000 was raised.

“We have always counted on and are most appreciative for the significant support we have received from the Admiral and workforce at Maritime Forces Pacific,” he says. “Naturally we would prefer to actually play a round of golf. That said, I am optimistic the tournament will still raise a sizeable amount through the virtual Stay ‘N Play event, which is a creative way to adapt in these interesting and challenging times.”

Many folks who have registered and paid their fees have opted to have the money directed as a donation. Similarly, sponsors are being asked to consider donating their support.

Whether you are a senior veteran, today’s veteran, or tomorrow’s veteran, please participate and support our Stay ‘N Play virtual event this year. The suggested deadline to register is May 21. Contact Shannon Donnelly, Fund Development Coordinator, for more information Shannon.Donnelly@broadmeadcare.com

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