Two local organizations for seniors are reaping the benefits of Sturgeon County's annual Mayor's Golf Tournament, which was held almost a month ago.
The West Sturgeon Aging in Place Foundation and Sturgeon Foundation will share the nearly $37,000 in proceeds from the event.
"This event is more successful each year and we've exceeded last year's donations by more than $8,000," said Mayor Donald Rigney in a prepared statement. "I appreciate the commitment and support of local businesses and residents to Sturgeon County."
The West Sturgeon Aging in Place Foundation operates the West Country Hearth facility, a non-profit affordable housing complex for seniors. It's located in Sturgeon County west of Villeneuve.
The second donation recipient, the Sturgeon Foundation, is a non-profit organization that provides subsidized housing for seniors. It manages Chateau Sturgeon in Legal, Heritage Place Lodge in Morinville, and similar facilities in St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Bon Accord, Gibbons and Redwater.
In addition to these two groups, the Stand Up and Feel Empowered (S.A.F.E.) Youth Conference will also benefit from the tournament's proceeds. The funding will help to ensure that the conference will continue in 2013. Presented by the Sturgeon County youth council, it offers youths 13 and over the chance to hear engaging speakers and participate in a variety of fun group challenges and activities.
Rigney thanked everyone for their involvement in making the tournament a success.
It is organized by the Sturgeon County economic development board. Call 780-939-8367 or visit www.startinsturgeon.ca for more information.
Sisters start SIDS walk
A tragic family event has spurred two young sisters on to fight on in their baby brother's memory.
Bree and Demi Wildman, aged 10 and 12 respectively, recently decided to do a walkathon to honour Bryce who was 10 months old when he died last July. The sisters hope to raise money for research into sudden infant death syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS.
Stepmom Samantha explained how important it was for the two sisters to mark the occasion with positive steps.
"They wanted to help other kids and help fundraise money so they can help research so this doesn't happen to any other families. They wanted to do something to remember him by every year," she said. "It's awesome that they want to help other people."
A post-walk barbecue will take place with food provided by the local M&M Meat Shop. All proceeds will go to SIDS Canada.
The walkathon takes place on Saturday, July 7 in Calahoo. People who are interested in supporting the cause can visit www.sidscanada.org.
