COBDEN — The Cobden and District Civitan Club donated $12,000 to four medical facilities following last Friday’s 20th annual golf tournament.
There were 44 teams with a total of 172 golfers, which has been pretty much the norm for the past few years, said Civitan Ted Barron.
In the 20 years, there was only one year where the tournament was rained out, he said.
Jerry Paxton of Oaks of Cobden was presented with an appreciation plaque.
This year, the club presented $3,000 cheques to the Dialysis unit at Renfrew Victoria Hospital; the MRI Fund at Pembroke Regional Hospital, Renfrew Hospice and the Cobden and District Civitan Medical Bank.
“We have been totally committed to be a part of health care in Renfrew County,” Mr. Barron told the golfers, prior to the cheques being presented and the golfing awards.
Pierre Noel, chief executive officer of Pembroke Regional Hospital accepted the cheque on behalf of the MRI Fundraising committee.
Talking to those gathered, he joked as he said, “Your 20th year, you must be tired by now.”
However, in all seriousness, he said the Civitan club is there for the people, like the hospital is there for the people.
“We grow our programs and services because of you,” Mr. Noel said. “We will be opening the MRI soon and by mid-September, we’ll be seeing patients.”
He added, “Thanks for organizing today and the last 20 years.”
While the Civitans have been organizing this event for the past 20 years, Mr. Barron noted they may be getting tired, but younger people have joined and will take over some day.
He also presented a $3,000 cheque to Terri-Lynn Sukkel, who accepted it on behalf of Renfrew Victoria Hospital. The money will go towards the new dialysis unit, which is part of the $35 million expansion occurring over the next five years at the hospital, she said.
Renfrew Hospice is another great aspect of the health care in Renfrew County.
“If you’ve had a chance to visit patients at Renfrew Hospice, you will know it’s a remarkable facility,” Mr. Barron said.
It operates mostly with volunteers and “takes a lot to keep it operational. We are lucky to have it,” he said.
Dr. Stephanie Langlois accepted the cheque.
“Thank you for your support,” she said. “It’s amazing. Without support, we could not provide the care we do provide.”
After accepting the cheque for the medical bank, Civitan Bob Porter said, “It’s there for everyone to use. If you have any needs, contact a Civitan member.”
The Civitans have partnered with Home Health Care store in Renfrew which helps to ensure the equipment remains in working condition, he said.
Mr. Barron said there were a few changes to the golf tournament, but all seemed to go well.
Lorne Rathwell was the winner of the big draw, which was a set of golf clubs — a prize he won a couple of years ago.
In the putting contest, John Pelletier and Laurie Graham each won four $25 gift certificates to Lakeview Deli in Cobden.
The Ladies trophy was awarded to Val Buttle, Philippa Bell, Darlene Crozier and Patsy Johnson, who scored a 79.
The Mixed team of Gerald Lynch, Brenda Lundy, Brent Lundy and John Pelletier won with a score of 66.
The men’s team of Ivan Cole, Randy McNamee, Troy Lemay and Mike Fielding won with a score of 58.
The Longest Putt was won by Sandy Hunt for the women and Matt McLaren for the men while Closest to the Pin for the women was won by Barb Desilets and Brian Dickey for the men.
