Brenda Shrader, the dedicated organizer and founder of the CARE Project, is gearing up for the second annual CARE Golf Tournament, set to take place on August 24th. This event, a nine-hole, two-person scramble, serves as a fundraiser to support the CARE Project, an initiative aimed at helping youth navigate conflict and resolve issues outside the traditional court system.
The CARE Project, officially registered as a nonprofit in August last year, was born from Shrader's work with Victim Services and the Alternative Measures Program in Humboldt. Through her experience, she identified a gap in resources for offenders, especially youth, who often lack access to the services they need to break the cycle of negative actions. The CARE Project seeks to fill this gap by providing mediation, conflict resolution, and linking youth with necessary services—mirroring the successful Restorative Action Program in Saskatoon schools.
"In history, punishment hasn't always been the answer for a lot of people. You know, if they do make a bad decision or a negative action punishing them isn't always the best way to deal with that. A lot of times those people need a little extra care. They need services that they can't otherwise navigate. I think everybody knows the justice system is really difficult to navigate. The healthcare system is the same, hard to navigate, especially in the rural areas and we don't have the services that we probably should have. So, the CARE Project is hopefully going to link those youths with the services and whatever programming they need."
The upcoming golf tournament at LeRoy Leisureland promises a day of fun and community spirit. Participants can expect prizes, silent auctions, and the opportunity to purchase mulligans—those do-over shots that every golfer occasionally needs. The registration fee is $85 per person, which includes a cart and a delicious supper.
Shrader encourages anyone interested in supporting the CARE Project or simply enjoying a day on the greens to register.
"Last year's tournament was filled with laughter and good times, and we're looking forward to more of the same this year."
The CARE Project is still in its early stages, having been a registered nonprofit for just a year, its impact is already being felt. The project is currently engaged in a three-year pilot with five schools in the School Division, focusing on areas with the greatest need.
If you would like to participate in the golf tournament teams can register by calling LeRoy Leisureland at 306-286-3437. Anyone interested in learning more about the CARE Project can contact Brenda directly at 306-231-6440.