Golf balls were flying at a windy Mainprize Regional Park yesterday, as it played host to the first annual Par for a Purpose Golf Tournament in support of Envision Counselling and Support Centre. Though the weather wasn't ideal, 17 teams made their way to go golfing for a purpose.
"Well, you know what, we are so, so fortunate to have all of these wonderful golfers out here today, withstanding the elements, and we are just thrilled with the success and the turnout that we've had here today. We couldn't have asked for a better day," shared Raven Daer, the communications director for the charity.
The development and expansion of mental health resources in southeast Saskatchewan was the purpose behind the tournament's name. The event raised money from teams signing up to golf during the day, corporate sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and a 50/50 cash draw.
The event traces its origins back to Weyburn Travelodge. For 20 years, they raised money for various charities in the southeast, netting over $400,000 for critical resources in the area. Earlier this year, owner George Siourounis and his staff handed the reins to Envision to benefit the event moving forward. "The last three years after COVID, we saw a big need for help on the mental health field. We see a lot of people with the mental health issues and we saw the governments...not put enough help to the mental health - and we decided to go for that."
"After 20 years was I say no more. And then Envision, they approached me and they [asked me] if I want to help them, and I say 'yes, I will help you'. And I'm glad I'm helping them."
For Michelle Walsh, the general manager for Mainprize Regional Park, it was a personal connection that made the collaboration between them and Envision an easy yes. "We had a significant loss this past winter from somebody who is very important to our park community and on our staff. We really wanted to make sure that we supported something that is hugely impactful for everybody in this province, but also just has impacted our team. So we were happy to collaborate. We want to make sure that we keep making sure our team also has the support of mental health and that it's a big part of their everyday work lives. So, it was huge for me to be able to be a part of this."
"Mental health is very important for me and my team out here. We've been no stranger to it ourselves."
As a first run for the charity, executive director Lynda Rideout expressed that it was a huge success. She noted that her team and volunteers came away with a lot of great memories that'll last a lifetime.
"What we had out there today was golfers losing balls, volunteers losing their donation buckets and their lawn chairs flying away in the wind. Our volunteer drivers [had gone] out to make sure everything was going okay, fighting the winds with hoodies pulled down straight over their noses. What came out of today was a whole lot of fun memories that we will cherish for our first golf tournament ever, and a lot of education and knowledge. We're already so excited for next year and what that's going to bring for us."
Envision Counselling and Support Centre currently has offices in Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle and Oxbow, but they support anyone who needs their help, wherever in the southeast they may be. They're looking at expanding operations to Moosomin later this year, as well as opening up a satellite office in Rocanville in the near future.