Skip to content

Many gather to “Chip In for Health Care” with annual AACS Tournament

The annual golf tournament in Sylvan Lake was one of three AACS fundraisers planned throughout the year
13109777_web1_GolfTourney6
Before the noon start time, many golfers took a few minutes to practise their putting. Photos by Megan Roth/Sylvan Lake News

More than 100 golfers played through the stifling heat on Friday for the fourth annual Chip In for Health Care golf tournament.

The Urgent Care Committee chose to stay together and continue raising money for the newly opened Advanced Ambulatory Care Services (AACS) in Sylvan Lake.

Susan Samson, chair of the committee, said they will continue to raise money for any unexpected expenses that may occur over time.

All money raised through fundraising efforts, such as the golf tournament, will be held in trust until it is needed.

“We will be holding on to the money until all the doctors have a chance to really work in the facility and can tell us if they need something,” Samson said.

The Urgent Care Committee hopes to raise another $50,000 before the end of the year, to be put towards medical equipment for AACS.

The tournament itself, themed after the popular T.V. show “M*A*S*H*”, is expected to raise between $20,000-25,000.

“The bulk of our funds are raised through this tournament,” said Samson. “We do have two more fundraisers that will run later in the year.”

Four years into their annual tournament, the Urgent Care Committee has earned a solid reputation for organizing a fantastic tournament and a full, fun day of golf.

Many people come out from across Central Alberta to participate because they not only believe in the cause, but believe in the group organizing it, according to Samson.

Not only do they have the golfers coming out for a great time at Meadowlands Golf Course, but around 150 people came out for supper and many businesses and organizations donated to make the day special.

“We are pretty well respected around here. You can tell by how willing people are to help, or donate or participate,” said Samson.

Along with the respect many see in the committee, Samson says the committee strives to make the tournament fun, which keeps many coming back year after year.

The M*A*S*H* theme is a popular one, and well connected with health care. Going hand-in-hand with the theme, many dress up in army fatigues or scrubs and pose for photos near the donated military vehicles.

“It’s the small touches that makes things fun,” said Samson.

Samson and the Urgent Care Committee are confident they will meet their fundraising goal this year, through the golf tournament as well as the upcoming Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign and the Yuletide Spirit Festival.

13109777_web1_GolfTourney3
One golfer takes a putt on the green hoping to get the ball closer to the hole at Meadowlands Golf Course.
13109777_web1_GolfTourney5
Susan Samson, chair of the Urgent Care Committee, takes aim before swinging away at her team’s first hole, Aug. 10.
13109777_web1_GolfTourney2
The “Chip In for Health Care” tournament was a best ball affair, keeping the competition fair and fun.
13109777_web1_GolfTourney4
Golfers take off to their first hole after a lunch donated and prepared by the Sylvan Lake and District Lions Club.