On Friday, a golf tournament that raises funds for local organizations in memory of a beloved community member returned to the Minnewasta Golf & Country Club for the third year in a row.
The tournament, known as The Jimmy Classic, is held in honour of the late pilot Jim Peters, whose life was claimed in a tragic accident in 2022.
Gerald Dyck, a friend of Peters, is a part of the group of family and friends who have joined forces to make a positive change in the community in remembrance of their loved one.
He said that the group decided on the charity golf tournament not only because Peters loved golfing, but also because he was passionate about family, friends, and the community of the Pembina Valley overall.
Support where it’s needed
For the past three years, half of the funds raised from The Jimmy Classic have gone toward STARS air ambulance.
“They use the Morden airport, so Jim would have a connection with them,” said Dyck. “Our community has been so blessed by having them in the skies, so we want to help.”
This year, the other half of the number raised will go toward another initiative about which the group is passionate, Eden’s Recovery of Hope counselling service.
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The service strives to provide accessible mental health support to the community.
“Mental health has always been near and dear to the family’s [investment wishes],” said Dyck.
“We will hopefully pay into their fund of reducing costs for counselling so people can find help [when] they need it.”
A growing tradition
Dyck noted that in the first year of the tournament, half the funds went toward the St. Leon Fire Department, from which the first responders to Peters’ accident arrived, and in the second year, the Morden Fire Department was a recipient.
Since the inception of the tournament, the community has shown its support. This year's Jimmy Classic attracted approximately 150 golfers, said Dyck.
To purchase tournament merchandise or make a donation in honour of Jim Peters, click here.
With files from Jayme Giesbrecht