Giving Back through Golf

For the past eight years, Mark Reid and his family have been giving back to the hospital that helped save their daughter, Kennedy. Each year, the family hosts the Children’s Charity Golf Tournament at the Bonnyville Golf & Country Club. This year, the event saw 136 golfers and raised over $24,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

After Mark’s youngest daughter, Kennedy was granted a wish, from the Children’s Wish Foundation, in 2011, the Reid family recognized the power of giving back. They decided to host the tournament and to date have raised well over $150,000.

Kennedy spent much of her years, from infant to now, at the Stollery where she was treated for various symptoms and complications that come with living with Costello Syndrome. It seemed natural for the family to want to give back to the Stollery.

This year’s event was truly special, said Mark, “we welcomed Ali Kazakoff and her family from Edson. She’s a young girl living with Costello Syndrome, as well.” Kennedy and Ali spent time on the course together, bonding over shared experiences.

Kennedy is known is Bonnyville for her colourful hair bows. She and Ali, along with a few other volunteers, Elizabeth Rae, Eileen Ducharme and Madison McGrath went around the course on Saturday delivery hair bows and cookies to each golfer.

Nancy Proctor, with Yums the Word, donated 150 cookies.

A representative from the Stollery, Joanna Pattison was on hand and gave players an update on the importance of the hospital.

“I want to give a big thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who help make this event possible,” stated Mark. The Reid family may have started the tournament but it’s volunteers, players and sponsors that make it a success.

Sponsors included; MRC Global , Tri-Energy Oilfield Services, Enerchem International, Canadian Fabrication, Bonnyville Dodge, Big Rack Rentals, L&D Marine Rentals Ltd., Bonnyville Bolt Supply, Seven Lakes Oilfield Services, The Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre.