Charity golf tourney raises $77K for cancer centre
The Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre received $77,100 from this summer’s Royal LePage Breast Cancer Charity Golf Tournament in a small ceremony at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Tuesday.
It was the 22nd annual golf tournament that Royal LePage participated in and the fourth one that saw them join forces with the Yuill Family Foundation, said Bob Kalista, owner Royal LePage in Medicine Hat. Over the years it has meant a contribution of more than a million dollars.
“We sell out every year. It’s one of the tournaments in the city that everybody anticipates,” said Kalista, who believes part of the attraction is that everyone identifies in some way or other with cancer and therefore the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre.
Debra Cantalini-Gallant, was the founder of the annual golf classic and after her passing people recommitted to the cause, said Kalista.
“Our office loves to be participating and we are glad to be involved,” said Kalista.
The amount of money raised does not surprise Health Lemechuk, administrator of the Yuill Family Foundation, because of a caring and committed community.
“It is something this whole community should be really proud of,” said Lemechuk.
The name recognition helps too because of the automatic association with the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, she explained.
“The Yuill name and heritage has been over 100 years. The ability to support it is huge and the name recognition,” said Lemechuk.
Heather Bach, executive director for the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, called it a great example of the impact on the community.