The 5th annual Mayor’s Invitational Charity Golf Tournament has once again teed up a new record, raising nearly $123,000 in gross proceeds to support Big Hill Haven, a Cochrane-based organization aiding women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Mayor Jeff Genung says this year’s July 21 event sold out in record time — without any advertising.
“Sponsors and golfers just poured in,” said Genung. “We had around 150 golfers this year, more than any other, and the support continues to grow.”
The tournament's popularity and success have grown steadily over the past five years, with several sponsors returning annually. This year’s gross total of $122,895 marks the highest amount raised to date. Organizers are still calculating final net proceeds after expenses.
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Genung is tasked with singling out a charity to support through his annual tournament. He’s personally heard from women seeking help and feels the partnership with Big Hill Haven allows him to connect residents to meaningful support.
“I’ve felt helpless at times in my role as mayor,” said Genung. “Now I can confidently direct people to Big Hill Haven, knowing the incredible work they do. If even one family receives help because of this, then the impact goes far beyond the dollars raised."
From his advanced research, he gained valuable insight into how the registered charity is piloting a unique shelter model for the province.
As opposed to providing a dorm-like environment for the women and children they are assisting, Big Hill Haven offers apartment-style housing instead of communal facilities — allowing families a private and more familiar environment as they begin rebuilding their lives.
"They have apartments that they put these families in so that the women and children can be as close to their home environment as possible. They're in a very obviously a very highly stressful environment or state coming from their home, and to be able to have kids in their own bedrooms, private space to decompress and start to deal with the next steps. It is very unique."
Searle Turton, minister of Child and Family Services, praised this model while participating in the tournament.
"He spoke very highly of Big Hill Haven and he uses it as something for other communities to aspire to achieve. So they're trying to replicate this model across the province now, and Cochrane and the Big Hill Haven is the flagship."
Also featured at the tournament was Men &, a Calgary-based organization supporting men in abusive or troubled relationships.
Golfers received cards from the group in their tee gift packages, and Genung says they’ve already seen an increase in calls to the organization’s helpline since the event, though at this point they're not sure if it's directly related.
Genung praised the dedicated volunteer committee, generous sponsors, and golfers for making the charity tournament an ongoing success. All golfers, including Genung himself, pay to participate, reinforcing the event's community-driven, charitable mission.
“There are no free passes,” said Genung. “Every dollar raised starts with someone showing up because they care.”