The Salvation Army’s 20th Annual Golf Classic is a Resounding Success Amid Pandemic
On Friday Sept. 11, The Salvation Army in Toronto played host to the 20th Annual Charity Golf Classic at The Country Club in Woodbridge, Ontario.
This year was different in many ways due to the pandemic. “We weren’t sure we were going to be able to host this at all this year”, says Major Rob Kerr -Divisional Secretary for Public Relations. “It was very uncertain as we waited for the province to re-open the economy. However, this same pandemic that may have prevented us from having a tournament, was also creating more need for the funds we would raise at the tournament to serve people in our community”. With modifications and adjustments, the tournament was able to move forward.
What started as a crisp, cool morning turned into a gorgeous, sunny day that served as the perfect backdrop for a day out on the links.
Sponsors and golfers were asked to arrive at their pre-determined tee times, in order to uphold the course’s physical distancing requirements. Once registered, golfers then received individually packaged convenience kits (consisting of a mask, mini PPE kit and golfers pencil), as well as mini cooler bags with a light meal for the AM.
DJ Mixmaster Caesar was also on hand providing some fabulous music to get everyone on deck in a great mood.
The silent auction was still an aspect of the classic but this year it became an online auction with bids being accepted up until the night before the tournament. Items were waiting at the “pick-up table” as golfers came off the course and the winning bidders were able to collect their items. All golfers were then able to sit on the socially distanced outdoor patio and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch, sponsored by One&All.
At the end of the day, the top three teams were awarded prizes, with the tournament champs receiving the winners plaque to proudly display for the next year, while the top 3 teams all received a choice of free foursome at one of several golf courses.
In spite of all the changes that this year’s charity golf classic encountered, the day went off without a hitch. It was near impossible to find golfers, or members of The Salvation Army without a smile and full of hope throughout the day.