Annual golf gala has raised more than $1M for North Bay healthcare

The 27th annual Osprey Links Charity Golf Gala, co-founded by ex-premier Mike Harris, teed off in Callander, Ont., on Tuesday.

The 27th annual Osprey Links Charity Golf Gala swung into action Tuesday, continuing its longstanding mission to raise essential funds for medical equipment at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

The tournament, sometimes called a cornerstone of local philanthropy, was co-founded nearly three decades ago by former Ontario Premier Mike Harris and his late friend, Peter Minogue. The event has demonstrated remarkable longevity and community commitment.

“My late friend Peter Minogue and I started this 27 years ago and I haven’t missed one,” Harris told reporters, underscoring his personal dedication to the cause.

Since its inception, the event has collectively raised more than $1 million to bolster local healthcare services.

Corporate sponsorship fuels fundraising efforts

This year’s event drew over 140 participants, including representatives from title sponsor Foraco Canada Ltd. The company’s significant contribution highlights the vital role of corporate partnerships in the event’s success.

“The sponsorship is $10,000. This makes us feel really great because we do understand that all this money goes back to the foundation and the hospital and all its benefits that will impact our community,” company vice-president Robert Steadman told CTV News.

Targeting critical ventilator upgrades

Proceeds from this year’s gala are earmarked for a crucial project: the purchase of five new transport ventilators for the hospital. The total cost for this essential equipment is $272,500, with an additional $15,000 dedicated to staff training and system implementation. The need for this upgrade is urgent. Hospital officials report that several ventilators currently in use are aging beyond their intended service lifespan. These older units require increasingly frequent maintenance and sourcing replacement components has become difficult, leading to longer downtimes. Furthermore, the current systems lack advanced functionality, such as adaptive ventilation and are not suitable for streamlined use across diverse patient populations.

The pandemic served as a stark reminder of the importance of this technology.

“COVID-19 and the pandemic really highlighted the need for ventilators in general and having all of that breathing support for patients who need it,” said Tammy Morison, president of the hospital foundation.

Investing in future healthcare demands

The fundraiser is occurring at a critical time for the healthcare facility. Hospital president and CEO Paul Heinrich emphasized that the gala is one of the institution’s most significant annual fundraisers. He connected the immediate need for equipment to broader, long-term challenges, noting that internal hospital data projects a 76 per cent increase in the burden of chronic disease within the next 14 years.

“It matters more than ever that we have the financial support and the goodwill of the community,” he said. “So that we can invest in the right care close to home and make sure we have the right technology.”

A legacy of community support

Organizers anticipate the event will raise between $50,000 and $75,000 toward their goal.

Reflecting on the tournament’s growth and impact, co-founder Mike Harris expressed profound satisfaction.

“This hospital is important for the whole region and the whole area,” he said. “That means a lot to me.”

Those involved in the gala said the continued generosity of the golfers and sponsors ensures the event remains a powerful force for supporting healthcare in the North Bay region.