Breast Cancer Golf Classic raises $87K for local care
The Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre will purchase items to improve patient care thanks to community-raised funds.
The Breast Cancer Golf Classic raised $43,500, and those funds were matched by Bill Yuill for a total of $87,000.
“It is a pleasure to be here again this year with the same folks, to partner with them on a pretty good cause,” said Yuill. “The golf tournament draws a tremendous amount of people and we’re just delighted to be a part of it.”
The event has been a breast cancer fundraiser for 20 years, said Brent Kalista, owner of Royal LePage Realty.
“Everybody is here for the cause and we are going to keep doing it,” said Kalista.
Three years ago Yuill and his family stepped in to match the money raised.
The funds raised will go to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and be used to purchase items for the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre. It means so much to the patients and the team of staff too, said Jill Forsyth, director cancer care teams community oncology south, Alberta Health Services.
“Those dollars are actually going to support us as we move into our new space, which we hope will be in January of next year,” said Forsyth. “It will assist certainly with improving the patient experience and comfort measures and potentially purchasing major equipment that will assist breast cancer patients.”
Many events come through the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club but most have a short life span, said general manager Cam Jacques.
Three or four years ago all those involved recommitted themselves after the passing of Debra Cantalini-Gallant, who was the founder of the golf classic, said Jacques.
“We are delighted to partner with these fine folks who throw the event benefiting the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre,” Lynn Vanhyfte, Alberta Cancer Foundation. “It’s a privilege to be part of this and bring benefit to the patients. That’s what it is all about for us.”
Vanhyfte said it is rare to see an initiative like the Breast Cancer Golf Classic endure and thrive for 20 years.
“It shows you there is a great team of people that help to make it happen. It is a reflection of this community and how supportive they are of each other,” said Vanhyfte.