Golf Tournament aims to raise up to $30,000 for a regional hospice house in Cranbrook

After years of fundraising for the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, Cranbrook’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament is turning over a new chapter to support another cause. 

144 golfers teed off at the Cranbrook Golf Club on July 18 to raise money for a regional hospice house. Golfers took part in a putting contest and live and silent auction, and had a chance at winning vehicles from Jack Carter Northstar GM, if they scored a hole in one on a par three. The event aims to raise $20,000 to $30,000 for the hospice house. 

The event was organized by local businessowner Trevor Gordon, and Jack Carter Northstar sales manager Brandon Laurie. Gordon formerly owned Boston Pizza Cranbrook, until he sold it in February and bought Opa! of Greece. The tournament has raised over $310,000 for the East Kootenay Foundation for Health since it began 14 years ago. 

Chairman of the Cranbrook and Kimberley Hospice Society Greg Sternig said the hospice house project is gaining momentum. The group met with the City of Cranbrook in mid-July and were given a verbal offer for a piece of property near Moir Park. Now they’ve turned their attention to fundraising to $8 to $10 million in project costs.

Sternig said plans for the hospice house include 10 beds to support palliative patients as they receive end-of-life care, as well as a kitchen and private family room. Sunrise Rotary is keen on building a garden on the property. 

The house would serve the entire region, including communities in the Elk Valley, with licenced nurses and care aids to provide comfort for residents. 

The Society is searching for major donors to contribute to making the project a reality. Fundraising is still in the beginning stages and only a handful of community events have pitched in. A dinner at Colombo Lodge and an auction of Brian Clarkson’s photography helped launch the fundraiser last year. Donors will have their names displayed at the hospice house.

Sternig said palliative care services are desperately needed in the region, as there’s no hospice house east of the Okanagan. Meanwhile, the East Kootenay Regional Hospital only has a few beds designated for end-of-life needs. 

 “It’ll free up beds at the hospital and relieve pressure on staff,” said Sternig. 

The Society is working closely with Interior Health to move the project forward.

The hospice house project is being led by the Society board under president George Watson’s leadership. A 10-person steering committee is helping guide the project, with input from the business community and professionals with backgrounds in finance, law and construction.

To donate, contact Cranbrook Hospice Society’s office administrator Karolyn at info@ckhospice.ca or visit Unit #2 37 9 Ave. South in Cranbrook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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