Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen, middle, stands with Town of High Prairie Mayor Linda Cox, left, and Big Lakes County Reeve Ken Matthews at the charity golf tournament.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

Thousands of dollars were expected to be raised at the third annual Big Lakes Invitational Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 11 at High Prairie and District Golf Course.

“We had about 100 golfers and we were happy with the turnout and support from the local community and outside,” says Big Lakes County Reeve Ken Matthews.

The Town of High Prairie and the Town of Swan Hills also co-hosted the event to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and a local charity that will receive $5,000, although the charity has not been selected.

Fundraising figures are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen was the special guest.

“It’s great to meet with constituents, elected officials and leaders in business and industry in a more relaxed setting and to support charities,” Viersen says.

Officials from the receiving charities were also grateful.

“Your support is making a difference,” says Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation area manager Margaret Bell, who has roots in High Prairie.

Many local children who use the services of Stollery will benefit from the support.

“The reason people appreciate the Stollery is because of support from communities like High Prairie,” says Ryan Drury, development officer.

For the first two years, funds were allocated for the new helipad at the new High Prairie Health Complex and for air ambulance service of Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS).

“We decided to support other charities and projects this year,” Matthews says.
“Both of them benefit local residents.”

He adds the tournament also creates an opportunity for government leaders to network with other municipalities and people in business and industry.

“It’s also a good way to showcase our region and the golf course,” Matthews says.

High Prairie Mayor Cox values the networking.

“It’s an opportunity for elected officials and business to connect with positive interaction in an informal way,” Cox says.

She also specially lauded outgoing county CAO Bill Kostiw, who initiated the event and has ensured it has continued to grow from the success of that first year.

High Prairie and District Golf Club president Arnold Gauchier, left-right, vice-president Becky Turcotte, and M.D of Smoky River Councillor Raoul Johnson enjoy dinner on the new expanded patio outside.

Stollery Childrens Hospital Foundation development officer Ryan Drury, left, presents gift to Reeve Ken Matthews.

Ribeye steaks were barbecued by Big Lakes County staff, right-left, George Baker, Rob Porter, Bryan Carson and Doug Georget.

Cathleen Krohn, of High Prairie, putts the ball as, left-right, Andy Gauchier of Peavine, Burk Krohn and Darryl Gill, both of High Prairie, stand behind and watch.

Perogies were popular in one of the refreshment tents served by, left-right, Melanie Johnson and Clem Guenette of MPA Engineering and Big Lakes County Councillor Ken Killeen.

Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation area manager Margaret Bell, left-right, fills plates at the buffet with Helen Henderson of High Prairie and Municipal District of Peace Reeve Veronica Bliska.

Big Lakes County receptionist Sylvia Jezewski, left, and executive assistant Jessica Martinson display table made by Big Lakes County Reeve Ken Matthews as one of the items in the live auction.