THUNDER BAY – Carter Hutton’s Hometown Heroes Charity Golf Classic has had a substantial impact on the George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation.
Over the past three years alone, the annual event, started by former NHLer Patrick Sharp and taken over in 2016 by Buffalo goaltender Hutton, has raised more than $292,000.
Organizers are hoping to continue that fundraising tradition at the nearly sold-out 2019 event, slated for Aug. 8 at the Fort William Country Club.
“It means an incredible amount to George Jeffrey,” said foundation executive director Steve MacDonald on Wednesday.
“We’re continually working to improve the care of the centre and to increase access to care at the centre. Last year alone 1,894 clients came into George Jeffrey Children’s Centre for care. We continue to get more and more referrals on our wait list, so we’re doing all we can to have more children with special needs receive the care they need and deserve.”
This year’s event will also benefit Firefly, a non-profit that provides a wide range of services, for children, youth and families in Northwestern Ontario.
MacDonald said the goal in 2019 is to raise between $75,000 to $90,000, noting there won’t be a charity community raffle this year, which will likely lessen the final total collected.
“We can’t thank Patrick Sharp and Carter Hutton enough for lending their time and their energy to this event. In Carter’s case, his family is heavily involved as well. It really helps us raise profile for the event. It encourages sponsors to get involved. They themselves do a lot of other side things to help the event,” MacDonald said.
One of those sponsors is Gillons Insurance.
The company’s Ray Barnwell said they jumped on board in 2013 because of the work being done at the Centre and the impact it has on the community as a whole.
“Gillons has always been about health-care initiatives and children,” Barnwell said. “There’s nothing better in Northwestern Ontario to focus on health care and children than the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre.”
For more information about the tournament or to secure one of the last remaining available spots, visit www.hometownheroesgolf.com.
