Memorial Golf Tournament a Labour of Love

The Kathy Gizen-Schuh Memorial Golf Tournament is truly a labour of love for both Michael Schuh and his daughter Breanne. Kathy became a resident of The Salvation Army’s Agapé Hospice in Calgary when she was diagnosed with cancer, and she passed away peacefully on May 16, 2015. The tournament was put to together to raise money for Agapé, and also to place a butterfly on the donations wall in memory of Kathy.

“She was so thankful for the support Agapé Hospice gave her,” said Michel Schuh. “The staff there really took good care of her.”

For over 25 years, Agapé Hospice has been providing compassionate end of life care and family support to its palliative residents. It is a loving and home-like environment for individuals to live out their final days with peace and dignity.

“I wanted to do something to keep Kathy around and in our thoughts,” said Michael, adding it was her idea to give back to Agapé. “Our goal was to raise $10,000, which will get a memorial butterfly with her name on it, which will hang on the front wall of the entrance of the Agapé Hospice forever.”

It took a lot of work and planning to put the golf tournament together. Michael and his daughter would start the process in January and work on it in their off time for ten months leading up to the tournament. The first year had 15 people playing and by the fourth year, the tournament had grown to 55 people with businesses donating prizes to be auctioned with 75 people attending the after BBQ.

“It’s a celebration of her life and her memory. It’s what she would have wanted – to get everyone together with family and be together,” said Breanne Schuh.

In 2018 they met their goal, and Kathy Gizen-Schuh now has a butterfly adorning the entranceway of the Agapé Hospice. It is a memorial to her life as well as the dedication and devotion of her loving friends and family.