Agape House is trying something new this September, inviting golfers, businesses and community supporters to hit the links while helping families affected by domestic violence.
The organization’s first charity golf tournament takes place September 10 at La Broquerie Golf, with a 1 p.m. start. The Texas scramble includes lunch, games and prizes, with registration set at $125 per golfer or $500 per team.
For Agape House, the tournament offers a chance to connect with a broader group of supporters while raising money for services that are seeing growing demand.
“We’re dipping our toes in a little bit here and trying something new,” says Lisa Fast, housing and outreach coordinator at Agape House. “This time around, we’re hoping to just open it up and have everyone come out to support.”
Filling the gaps
Funds raised through the tournament will help cover needs that grants and core funding don’t fully address.
That can include programming for women, children, youth and families, along with improvements to the shelter itself. One possibility is enhancing Agape House’s outdoor space with additional infrastructure and seating, giving families staying at the shelter more room to relax.
“We have such an amazing volunteer team that comes out and does gardening for us,” says Fast. “The backyard already has so much potential. To be able to add some infrastructure and seating areas will make such a huge difference.”
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Donations can also help Agape House support the pets that accompany people leaving unsafe situations, including helping arrange kennel stays while their owners are at the shelter.
The need for that additional support continues to grow.
Between January and June 2026, Agape House responded to 891 crisis calls, compared with 535 during the same period in 2025 – an increase of about 67 per cent.
The organization also provided 593 children’s bed nights during the first six months of 2026, up from 329 during the same period last year, an increase of about 80 per cent. Close to 800 adult bed nights were also provided during that period.
“Behind every one of those numbers is a person, is a family who reached out for help,” Fast says.
A community effort
Golfers aren’t the only ones who can get involved. Agape House is encouraging businesses to consider sponsorships, while community members can donate prizes, share information about the tournament or support the organization in other ways.
Registration and tournament information are available through the Agape House website and social media channels. The website lists hole, gold and title sponsorship opportunities in addition to individual and team registration.
For Fast, the event is another example of the teamwork that happens behind the scenes as Agape House responds to increasing needs across southeastern Manitoba.
“Working with such a strong group of creative, intelligent women, it’s inspiring,” she says. “I learn every day so much from clients and coworkers.”
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