Healthier Communities Golf Tournament raises $56,000 for local health

Lac La Biche County partnered with Portage College and the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation to raise some much needed funds.

On Friday, July 9, Lac La Biche County, Portage College, and the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation hosted the annual Healthier Communities Golf Tournament at the Lac La Biche Golf & Country Club. The tournament, which raises money for local health initiatives like improved medical diagnostic equipment and training opportunities, was delayed from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a Lac La Biche County news release, “The day saw 108 golfers from a variety of local organizations, community groups, and businesses come together to play and network in teams of four. A variety of contests (such as hole-in-one attempts and a ball drop), 50/50, silent auction, and evening banquet rounded out the event.”

After tournament expenses were accounted for, the event raised $56,058, which will be divided evenly between Portage College and the Health Foundation. Portage College will use its share to improve health and wellness education programs, and the Foundation will use its funds to enhance healthcare in the region.

“Lac La Biche County and our partners have worked tirelessly over the past few years to improve rural healthcare, and to ensure that all of our residents have equal access to Alberta’s first-rate medical system regardless of where they live,” said Mayor Omer Moghrabi. “This tournament’s success is another admirable step toward that goal, and I’m excited to see what future fundraising efforts will do to advance the County’s standard of living.”

Portage College President and CEO Nancy Broadbent says, “Portage College is fortunate to have wonderful partners like Lac La Biche County and the Health Foundation.

Broadbent says the golf tournament was very successful, allowing our community to come together to support health initiatives.

“The College is grateful to be receiving funds to support much-needed equipment for our Nursing and Prehospital Care programs,” Broadbent said. “Many thanks for the generosity from all the sponsors, golfers and organizers of this event.”

George L’Heureux is the President of the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation.

“Since 2015, the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation has established itself as an extremely effective fundraising group, but we need to keep up that momentum,” L’Heureux said. “The Foundation is proud to be a partner in this tournament, and the response to it is an excellent sign of our community’s continued commitment to making Lac La Biche County an even better place to live.”

On top of the $56,058 being distributed, some money will be carried over to 2022. This will make the event sustainable, allowing it to happen next year without committed funding from Lac La Biche County Council. Lac La Biche County, Portage College, and the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation would like to thank all sponsors, volunteers, and partners for making the Healthier Communities Golf Tournament a success.

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca