When more than 130 women from the cattle industry played a golf course in Medicine Hat, Alta., last week, they weren’t just taking a day off work.
They were participating in an event that has quickly become a significant fundraiser.
Cattlewomen for the Cure held its fourth annual tournament Aug. 17 and raised $44,745 in one day.
This year’s proceeds went to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Committee member Jill Harvie, who works at the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, said the event has raised $150,000 in four years.
Read Also
Vintage power on display at Saskatchewan tractor pull
At the Ag in Motion farm show held earlier this year near Langham, Sask., a vintage tractor pull event drew pretty significant crowds of show goers, who were mostly farmers.
“Every year we have a different cause,” she said before this year’s tournament.
“The first year was breast cancer, then prostate cancer. Last year, (proceeds) went to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.”
The golfers include women mainly from Western Canada and all are associated in some way with the cattle industry, including ranchers.
They raise money through entry fees, sponsorship and a silent auction.
The tournament has become eagerly anticipated and is usually sold out by May, Harvie said.
A person or display at each hole informs the golfers about a certain aspect of the disease for which they are raising money.
The committee chose MS this year because the Prairies have the highest rate of the disease per capita in Canada.
Canada has the fifth highest incidence rate in the world.
Organizers surpassed their $40,000 goal, despite the restraint and downturn in the cattle industry.
Harvie said the golfers and sponsors were “unbelievably generous and opened their hearts for a great cause. We’re proud that we’re able to raise this much money in one day in one industry.”
