A golf tournament in Foothills County is poised to celebrate a decade of supporting life-changing camp experiences for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.
The JC Anderson Memorial Golf Tournament, which will mark its 10th anniversary on Aug. 24 at the Sirocco Golf Club, raises money to support Easter Seals Alberta’s Camp Horizon, a magical place just west of Bragg Creek.
Anderson’s vision was to ensure kids with disabilities have a place where they can just be kids, make new friends and learn valuable life lessons. His daughter, Susan Anderson, said the golf tournament raises money annually to ensure that continues.
The younger Anderson said she was introduced to the camp back in 2009 by a friend on the board of directors and saw how it not only gave those with disabilities a fantastic outdoor experience, but it also provided a reprieve for caregivers.
Her dad was soon hooked too, donating $50,000 that was used to refurbish the pool, but when he saw the state of other aspects of the camp, he dug deeper, chairing a $10-million fundraising campaign that he kicked off with a $1-million donation.
“Long story short, I need to carry on his legacy as camp will always need improvements and more activities, better internet, better medical care,” said Anderson, who is a member of the committee organizing the tournament. “It does not stop.”
She said her dad would be proud of the fact the tourney has reached the decade mark, which she added has happened thanks to participants, volunteers, sponsors and the host golf club.
Anderson said her favourite part of the annual tourney is meeting that year’s Easter Seals ambassador and hearing about camp experiences from campers and their parents who show up for dinner.
“I love to hear their experiences and what a wonderful place camp is,” she said.
Tourney registration is $300 per person, which includes a tee gift, 18 holes of golf, cart rental, lunch, dinner and silent/live auctions. Century 21 Foothills is the presenting sponsor.
Registration deadline is Aug. 4. To register for the tournament, visit easterseals.ab.ca/JCGOLF2023.
