Richard Froese
South Peace News
Local healthcare services were supported at the sixth annual Big Lakes Invitational Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 22 at High Prairie and District Golf Course.
About 105 golfers from all over the province played in the tournament, says Big Lakes Councillor Don Charrois, who co-ordinated the event.
“We had a great day,” Charrois says.
The Town of High Prairie and the Town of Swan Hills co-hosted the tournament.
“It shows that Big Lakes is willing to work with our municipal and Indigenous neighbours and businesses,” Reeve Richard Simard says.
“We also raise money for local charities.”
The High Prairie and District Health Foundation is the big benefactor as the county committed $15,000 in January.
Another $5,000 will be donated each to Swan Hills Health Foundation for Swan Hill Healthcare Centre, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“It’s a great opportunity to network,” High Prairie Mayor Brian Panasiuk says.
“We get to meet people we don’t regularly meet from a town council perspective.
“It’s also a good fundraiser for various charities that help people in our region.”
Another mayor agrees.
“I like the fact that it supports local charities,” Swan Hills Mayor Craig Wilson says.
Recipients appreciated the support and funding.
Norma MacLean of Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation says the organization appreciates the funding.
“We thank you for all your support to help eliminate heart disease and stroke,” says MacLean, fundraising co-ordinator for the north, based in Grande Prairie.
Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen also expressed thanks for healthcare services.
Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pat Rehn did not attend the event.
No figures of fundraising were determined.
Last year’s event raised $66,792, the second lowest in the event’s history.
Funds raised will be determined and cheques will be presented in the fall.
Year Raised Donated
2018 $66,792 $25,000
2017 $58,945 $20,000
2016 $77,925 $35,000
2015 $85,169 $43,000
2014 $100,158 $50,000
Local municipal councillors made their rounds on the golf course in a golf cart. Left-right, are Town of High Prairie Councillor Debbie Rose and Big Lakes Councillors Ann Stewart and David Marx. 
High Prairie auctioneer Chris Williscroft encourages bids in the live auction. 
Several items were donated for the live auction. Left-right, are Big Lakes County municipal intern Brett Hawken and Councillor Don Charrois, who chairs the organizing committee. 
Elected government officials take time out to talk. Left-right, are Big Lakes County Reeve Richard Simard, Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen, Town of High Prairie Mayor Brian Panasiuk and Town of Swan Hills Mayor Craig Wilson. 
Prime rib steak was on the barbecue for dinner. Left-right, are cook Bob Dlugosz and volunteer Larry Greer. 
Andrew Gauchier, right, sets to drive the ball. Standing behind left-right, are Arnold Gauchier Sr., Andy Gauchier, Chase Milligan, Wade Evans and Arnold Gauchier.
