Canada Goat Gold Open celebrates 27 years

Niagara Community Foundation and the Goats are heading back to Cherry Hill Club one last time.

The foundation will host the 27th and final Canada Goat Open Golf Tournament June 4 at the Ridgeway club.

To date, the tournament has raised more than $1 million for charities across Niagara and for the Goat Endowment Fund at the foundation.

Since the tournament’s launch, the Goats have contributed time, talent and funds to organize and execute the event, raising money for charitable causes. When the final tally is reached, the event will have raised more than $1.2 million for the charitable sector in Niagara, said organizers.

“Since we partnered with the Goats, the impact has been tremendous,” said Bryan Rose, the foundation’s executive director.

“Their generosity, caring for others and commitment to their fellow Goats is truly inspirational. The foundation is honoured to have partnered with this group since 2011 and truly grateful for all they have done for the community. The funds we have raised will support charities now and forever.”

Rose described the Goats as “an amazing group of generous, hard-working” volunteers who are committed to helping their community.

“Our golfers and sponsors have also made incredible contributions. Some have been with the tournament since the first year. This tournament is just a tremendous example of a community coming together to give back.”

The tournament is nearly sold out and will feature prizes for participants as well as live auction items such as a Niagaraon-the-Lake weekend getaway and Toronto Raptors tickets. The tournament is also celebrating its long partnership with BMO Bank of Montreal, a major sponsor for 22 years.

Created in 2000, Niagara Community Foundation has raised more than $50 million and has granted more than $10 million to charities working in the arts, heritage, environment, social services, health, education and community development.