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PGA British Columbia Golfathon for ALS Presented by Pacific Blue Cross

Richmond Country Club 2024 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22nd, 2024


Five Golfers Play for Over 16 Hours Raising Over $2.4K in the

Richmond Country Club’s 2024 PGA Golfathon for ALS

 

Richmond, British Columbia – Since 2005, PGA of BC members have raised over $2.5 million to benefit thousands affected by ALS in British Columbia and the Yukon during June’s ALS Awareness Month. This year, golf professionals throughout BC once again supported the 19th Annual PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS, presented by Pacific Blue Cross.

Richmond Country Club’s and PGA of BC golf professionals played from sunrise to sunset to complete as many holes as possible to raise awareness and funds for the ALS Society of BC. Their golf day started on July 15 at 5 AM until 9:40 PM on July 15. Golfers Graham Ogden, Sebastien Turgeon, Dan Yoon, Meera Minhas and Nathan Cheng played for a collective total of 534 holes in their fundraiser

“The team here at Richmond Country Club proudly participates in this event every year and are very grateful to give back to such an amazing cause. Over his 15 years participating in the Golf A Thon for ALS, Graham Ogden has now surpassed $100,000.00 raised collectively since participating in his first event while working at Hazelmere Golf Club in 2009, a number he is very proud of. We have to thank the members of Richmond Country Club and the Management team for all of their support of the cause and to our amazing grounds crew for offering the best playing conditions for the team to play on. Lastly to those who battle with ALS, thank you for fighting, we are working hard on your behalf to find a cure, one hole at a time.” – Graham Ogden

Richmond Country Club was one of 37 golf facilities participating in the BC fundraising event. This year commemorates their 18th year of participation, during which they have raised $50K. Their objective for this year’s fundraising drive was to achieve $5K. Currently, Richmond Country Club has raised over $2.4K. If you’re in a position to contribute, we would be incredibly grateful if you could donate to help the local golf professionals reach their target goal by the end of the year. Every little bit counts, and your support will make a meaningful impact. Donate Today!

Richmond Country Club – 2024 Golfathon

One hundred percent of the event’s net proceeds will remain in British Columbia and the Yukon, directly supporting individuals living with ALS, providing essential patient programs and services, and funding ALS research through the PROJECT HOPE. These funds have helped establish a state-of-the-art Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Related Disorders (ALSRD) Clinic, which is now open and located at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. This clinic is a beacon of hope for ALS patients, their families, and caregivers, promising a brighter future through comprehensive support and tailored care for individuals with ALS and related motor neuron diseases, including assessment, intervention, and consultation services.

An ALSRD Clinical Research Team, a key part of PROJECT HOPE, will invite patients to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials and research initiatives. These initiatives are at the forefront of the search for a cure for ALS, and the team’s work is instrumental in expanding knowledge of the disease. Dr. Erik Pioro Professor of ALS Research is working tirelessly to establish an exceptional team, and progress is well underway, with the hope that it will become operational soon.

“Golf is a sport I’m passionate about and ALS is a cause close to my heart,” says Jay Janower, Sports Anchor/Reporter, Global News BC “My friend’s mom battled ALS so raising funds for patient services is near to my heart. It’s the reason I welcome the opportunity to become a part of the hugely successful PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS as its Ambassador.”

Jay Janower,

Ambassador for PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS.

A powerful multimedia campaign on CORUS’ Global BC helped to increase awareness and participation. An engaging PSA video was broadcast on the network and shared across our social media platforms using the event hashtag #GolfathonForALS. This initiative generated strong awareness, encouraged involvement and community unity, and raised funds to aid the cause.

Click Here for Golfathon Content Assets


For more information, please contact:
Navin Autar
Communications and Social Media Coordinator
ALS Society of British Columbia
Phone: 1-800-708-3228 Ext. 231
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.golfathonforals.com/

About the ALS Society of BC: ALS BC was founded in 1981 by Dr. Andrew Eisen, ALS patients and family members to meet the physical and emotional needs of people living with ALS and their caregivers. Our mission is to cure ALS through funding research, while advocating for and supporting people living with ALS.

PROJECT HOPE: Under the leadership of neurologist and ALS researcher Dr. Erik Pioro, PROJECT HOPE emerges in 2024 as a pioneering initiative with a bold and visionary agenda for the next 3-5 years. Our mission is to ignite a beacon of hope for everyone touched by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—from patients and their families to caregivers, clinicians, specialists, researchers, and beyond. At the heart of our efforts are the individuals bravely facing ALS, to whom we dedicate our unwavering commitment to making a significant difference.

About ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles resulting in weakness and wasting in arms, legs, mouth, throat and elsewhere. Typically, the person is immobilized within two to five years of the initial diagnosis. There is no known cause or cure yet, but there is hope through the ALS Society of BC.

 

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ALS can hit anyone, at any time, regardless of age, gender or ethnic origin. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years. Support equipment costs an average of $150,000.00 per patient; nursing and/or home care costs are up to 10 times that amount.

Copyright 2024, ALS Society of BC  |  ALS Programs & Services