"We wanted to find a way to support the community."
Coquitlam Express vice-president and general manager Tali Campbell is thrilled to soon see a new annual event hit the local links, hoping it can leave a lasting impact on the region and those in need of proper healthcare.
In one month — on Aug. 20, 2021 — the BCHL franchise is set to host an alumni community golf tournament with all proceeds earmarked for the Canuck Place Children's Hospice.
"They are a great organization doing wonderful things not just for the Tri-City community families, but families across B.C.," explained Campbell in an interview with the Tri-City News.
"We are excited to bring this event to the Tri-Cities, make it an annual thing and continue to raise our fundraising goal every year."
For the inaugural event at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club next month, the team has set a modest goal of $7,500 but hopes to go above and beyond that threshold.
According to Canuck Place spokesperson Tracie Seeley, the COVID-19 pandemic didn't stop the program from helping children in their care with more than 190 conditions and diseases.
Last year, she said close to 820 children came through Canuck Place from across B.C.
"Children and families with life-threatening illnesses need care now more than ever," she explained in a statement.
"Each child and family received an individualized care plan to address their needs and enable them to live full and dignified lives. We provide medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, 24-hour province-wide phone helpline and inpatient clinical care, art and education, recreation therapy, grief and loss counselling and end-of-life care."
Additionally, funds will also go toward a new foundation kickstarted by the Coquitlam Express aimed to benefit young athletes attain scholarships.
Several Express alumni are scheduled to be in attendance as well as Cliff Ronning, an NHL legend of 20 seasons — six of which were spent with the Vancouver Canucks.
"We feel this will be a fun event with various special guests, lots of giveaways including a $25,000 Hole in One Contest all while supporting a great cause," Campbell added when asked what the public can expect should they choose to participate.
However, the 26-year-old funnily admitted he won't be walking the fairways himself.
"Someone needs to be running around and organizing things (that's my excuse)."
For green fees and more information, you're encouraged to visit the tournament's page on the Coquitlam Express website.
