14th Annual Golf Tournament
Sophie Villeneuve, Project Development Manager at Lagois Design-Build-Renovate, isn’t really a golfer, but she enjoys trying anyway.
“Learning a new skill is always fun”, she says. But what she really likes about the annual Chris Parish Memorial Charity Golf Tournament is socializing and having fun with people she works with every day.
This year it was the 14th time the event, held on Sept 15 at Manderley on the Green, North Gower, was organized by Lagois to raise money for Ronald McDonald House, Ottawa. Chris Parish was the much-loved Lagois Sales and General Manager who died of cancer in 2021. Following his death, the annual tournament was renamed in his honour.
The tournament this year included 18 holes, a golf cart, a bagged lunch and a buffet dinner. Registration fees for golf and dinner included a donation for Ronald McDonald House.
Lagois’ president, Jacob Kirst, says the tournament has a positive impact on families suffering from the terrible anxiety of dealing with children’s serious illnesses in the comfort and support they receive at Ronald McDonald House.
“The stories we hear from families and everyone who has been involved with the House is truly inspirational,” he says. “Everyone at Lagois feels passionate about it.”
Jeff Hurdis, Lagois Lead Designer, loves to golf. But the best part of the tournament for him is “getting out of the office, getting everyone out of their work element”. Not only the Lagois team attends but many of the Lagois trade partners and suppliers as well.
“We have a lot of fun,” he says, “just being able to hit a golf ball instead of the end of a hammer.”
Darren Vander Meer, Lagois Production Manager, feels the same way.
“It’s a great chance to spend time with our trade partners, past clients, friends, and family,” he says, “and to raise money for a great cause in the community.” He always looks forward to developing new relationships with people he hasn’t otherwise been able to spend time with.
Christine Hardy, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa, says her favourite part about the tournament is at the end of the day. “That’s when everyone comes together and you can see how much fun they’ve had,” she says. “You can tell they’ve really enjoyed just taking a break to be together in a different way.”
This year the tournament raised about $19,500. Exact amount to be announced later this month. Thank you to all of our sponsors, players and team!
