Rotarians tee up to raise $5K for Thrive Child Development Centre

Working within Algoma Public Health guidelines, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie was able to host A Day Of Golf For Thrive at Crimson Ridge Golf Course on Aug. 27, which was attended by 84 golfers and raised $5,000 in support of THRIVE Child Development Centre.

A portion of everyone’s green fees for the day went towards the cause. One of 21 children’s treatment centres across Ontario, Thrive supports children and youth who are impacted by differences in physical, perceptual, communication, and developmental trajectories. They help by offering occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and social work services.

“With everything going on, it was a great turnout and we appreciate everyone’s continued support,” said Paul Kowalyk, chair of the Rotary Golf Committee, “We look forward to next year and hope we can make it bigger and better.” 

The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie has been a strong supporter of Thrive Child Development Centre since it was founded in 1952 with the help of Rotarians. Like many non-profits, Rotary’s fundraisers have been affected by COVID-19, including its major fundraisers for Thrive.

“I was so amazed that so many people came out to support Thrive,” said Lisa Henderson, CEO of Thrive, “Our children and families benefit so much from the amazing generosity and kindness from the Rotary.” 

“Thrive has been a part of our family for six years,” shared one family. “We depend on Thrive’s dedication within a disability justice framework, to continue to be our allies in the ongoing solution building necessary to support our family and the individualized and unique needs of every Thrive family.” 

The Rotary Club has also dedicated its monthly Rotary At Work 50/50 draws from August to December in support of Thrive. 

For 100 years, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie has invested in the Sault’s youth through projects such as Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary Science Fair Algoma, the Rotary Adventure Playground, and partnerships with Easter Seals Ontario and Thrive. Thanks to dedicated Rotarians, tireless volunteers, and an extremely generous community, Rotary has had the privilege to give back millions of dollars and touch countless lives.