Chief's Golf Tournament Supports Victims
Over $400,000 is expected to be raised from the second annual Toronto Police Service Chief’s Golf Tournament.
Approximately 280 competitors took part in the event on June 9 at Angus Glen Golf Club.
Chief James Ramer relished spending the day playing alongside supporters of the fundraising event that featured food and beverage stations, prize and hole in one challenges, gift bag giveaways, etc.
Most of the funds raised goes to Victim Services Toronto (VST) that provides crisis response, trauma and support services to victims of crime and sudden tragic circumstances 24 hours a day.
“The people at Victim Services do such terrific work and the money we raised is for a very worthwhile cause,” said Ramer. “I am really happy with the outcome. The rain stayed away and we all had fun in the sun.”
VST new Executive Director Carly Kalish took part in the event.
“Just to be among so many people pulling in the same direction to support Victim Services feels so loving,’ she said. “We are so grateful for everyone’s presence and what we have been able to accomplish in terms of raising funds for our organization. The money funds our services.”
Supervised by crisis counsellors, VST volunteers provide crisis intervention and referrals, assisting on the phone or at the scene with victims of domestic violence or those who are victims of crime or sudden tragedy.
“We help people in the immediate aftermath of sudden tragedies,” said Kalish. “We go to the scene of the crime, we hold survivors’ hands and we help people rebuild their lives.”
VST staff help victims throughout the healing process, helping them navigate the court system and connect them to more social services.
As part of the fundraiser, competitors participated in a special police helicopter ball drop fundraiser. Participants bought balls with numbers written on them that were dropped from a York Regional Police helicopter. The closest to the pin won a Rolex watch.
A total of $240,000 was raised in the inaugural tournament in 2021.
