NEWS RELEASE

CMHA ALGOMA

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The Andy Buffone Memorial Golf Tournament returns to the Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club on Saturday, Aug. 22, bringing golfers, local businesses and community members together for a sixth year to raise funds for suicide prevention and mental health initiatives in the Algoma District.

Created by Anthony Buffone in memory of his father, Andy, who passed away by suicide in 2020, the tournament has raised more than $117,000 for CMHA Algoma since it began in 2021. Funds raised through this year’s tournament will help strengthen CMHA Algoma’s suicide prevention efforts across the Algoma District, including the delivery of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), community education, and other mental health initiatives.

“After losing my dad, we wanted to create something that could make a difference for other families,” said Anthony Buffone. “This tournament has become a way to honour Dad’s memory while raising awareness about mental health and supporting programs that can save lives. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support it year after year.”

The tournament includes 18 holes of golf, dinner, entertainment, prizes and a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting suicide prevention programming in Algoma. During the evening, CMHA Algoma will also share how funds raised through the tournament continue to strengthen mental health services in the community.

“What makes this tournament so meaningful is that it transforms loss into action,” said Lisa Case, chief executive officer of CMHA Algoma. “The support generated through this event helps strengthen suicide prevention efforts and mental health supports throughout the Algoma District. Beyond the funds raised, it sparks important conversations, increases awareness, and brings people together around a shared commitment to supporting one another. Together, we are helping build a community that is better equipped to recognize when someone is struggling, respond with compassion, and connect people to the help they need.”

For full details and to donate, visit the tournament website here.

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