WEYBURN — The Weyburn Travelodge held its 20th and last edition of its annual charity golf tournament, and provided donations to Inclusion Weyburn and Envision Counselling from the proceeds.
Each organization received a cheque for $14,185, for a total of $28,370, to bring the 20-year total to $394,297 since the tournaments began in 2002.
Donations over the years have supported medical equipment for the Weyburn General Hospital, the Weyburn Ambulance, supporting the Continuing Care Assistant and practical nursing programs at Â鶹ÊÓƵeast College, and Inclusion Weyburn and Envision for the last three years in a row.
Inclusion Weyburn will put the funds towards their summer program, which this year has 30 children with intellectual disabilities taking part between the ages of three and 18.
“The parents aren’t here, but they all thank you for this donation,” said Jackie Wilson of Inclusion Weyburn to the members of the golf tournament’s organizing committee.
Envision representative Raven Daer said this donation will go towards youth-oriented programs through the Weyburn office.
George Siourounis, speaking on behalf of Travelodge and his two brothers, Harry and John, said they decided that 20 years was a good run for this charity tournament.
“It’s a lot of work, and it’s time to move on to something else,” he said, noting the funds raised came from the golfers registration fees, a Greek meal, and live and silent auctions, which is supported by many businesses and supporters who put in good bids on items. This year's tournament had 76 golfers take part.
He noted his wife Poppy makes a baklava dessert, which over the years has raised about $30,000. He also noted Mike Bell and family have been strong supporters of the tournament and the auctions.
Among the businesses which have supported them, the Weyburn Credit Union has been a supporter every year from the very start, as has SaskTel, and Holliday and Company and Moffat and Company law office.
