A perfect day on the greens translated into a record-breaking fundraiser for local youth programs as the Youth for Christ (YFC) Golf Tournament teed off last weekend at the Delahunt Golf and Country Club in Treherne, Manitoba.
Nine teams participated in the event, enjoying beautiful weather and fellowship while raising crucial support for YFC's ministries in Portage la Prairie, Carberry, and McGregor.
Dan Gagnon and his team from Portage la Prairie emerged victorious, carding an impressive final score of 65 strokes on the Par-7 course. While pleased with the win, Gagnon emphasized the greater purpose behind their participation.
"Well, it's great, but the cause that we came out for is even better," he says, adding, "So we appreciate the opportunity to come."
Highlighting his personal motivation, Gagnon explained, was his children, saying, "They benefited from the services for Youth for Christ, and I just encourage them to keep on doing their good work."
He described the day as "very lovely with good spirit all around" and thanked everyone for their "awesome participation."
Record-breaking support for youth
The true triumph of the day lay in the overwhelming financial support generated.
Kurt Friesen, YFC's Interim Executive Director, Youth Worker, and Supervisor of Satellite Ministries, shared the exciting results.
"Yeah, just the exciting news that we doubled the amount that we raised last year and it broke records for us in how much we received in a golf tournament this year," Friesen announced, estimating the total at "around $39,000, close to $40,000."
These funds are, of course, vital for sustaining YFC's impactful work across the region.
Friesen confirmed the proceeds will go towards "funding programs, helping our staff support accounts because they have to raise their own funds for their jobs as well."
He emphasized the broad reach, noting, "It'll be going to all three - Portage, McGregor and Carberry - for various youth ministries, drop-in programs, and all kinds of good work in the communities."
Personal connection drives ministry
Friesen also spoke passionately about his deep-rooted connection to YFC's mission.
"I grew up in Portage Prairie, and I grew up going to the Youth for Christ skateboard Nights every Tuesday, and that had an impact on me," he explains.
After working with YFC in British Columbia, Friesen felt called home.
"I get to, in a really cool way, oversee the youth program of skate night that I was a part of and had such a huge impact on me when I was a teenager," he recalls, adding, "So that's kind of why I do what I do, to make a difference in the lives of youth."
Community members inspired to support YFC can contact the Portage office or visit the organization's website.
"I encourage you to check out our website, which has all of our contact details there and lists many of our programs and ways that you can get involved," Friesen said, adding, "just send us an e-mail or even stop by and say hi. We're open to that."
Looking ahead, and with the fundraiser behind them, YFC will look to do even more to help bless more Portage area youth with a message that's equal parts faith and fun.