PRESS RELEASE: 13th Tofino Saltwater Classic Community Fundraiser to be Held July 7-9, 2023
Event’s Total Funds Raised to Date Exceed $725,000 with All Proceeds Benefiting Tofino Youth and Community Programs
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, May 17, 2023 – Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison today announced that the 13th annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby fundraiser event is taking place from July 7-9, 2023 in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The event, which is run by Morrison and a team of volunteers, has raised more than $725,000 to support Tofino community initiatives with the majority of the funds going to support the Wickaninnish School PAC Healthy Food and Literacy Programs.
Photo: Brendan Morrison joins local kids for an annual ball hockey game as part of his Tofino Saltwater Classic. (Westerly News file photo)
Schedule of Fundraising and Youth Events
July 7 – Kids Ball Hockey Tournament with Brendan Morrison and Friends
10:00 AM, Wickaninnish Community School
July 8,9 – Catch and Release Fishing Derby (Entry fee fundraiser)
· July 8, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Pacific Fishery Management Areas in and around Clayoquot Sound
· July 9, 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
July 8 – Silent Auction Fundraiser, open to the public
5:00 – 9:00 PM, Courtyard, Tofino Resort and Marina
“My family and I are extremely proud of what the Tofino Saltwater Classic has accomplished so far, and we are looking forward to welcoming supporters to this year’s event,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic founder, Brendan Morrison. “Our fundraiser is one hundred percent focused on helping the community. Every dollar we raise goes back to supporting initiatives that improve the health and wellness of the Tofino residents with emphasis on youth programs.”
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby and Silent Auction
In 2019, the Tofino Saltwater Classic derby transitioned to a catch-and-release format for Chinook prizes and will adopt the same approach for 2023. Cash prizes will be awarded for measured and released Chinook and for the largest, legally-caught and retained halibut. The catch-record-release component of the derby is made possible with Angler’s Atlas’ MyCatch app which uses uploaded photos and video to record, verify and track entries.
In addition to participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raises funds with a silent auction. Open to derby participants and the general public, the auction features a variety of items such as hockey memorabilia, fishing gear, clothing and household goods, many of which are donations from local Tofino businesses. The event is also supported by private donations from Tofino residents and business owners from around the province.
Derby Registration and Volunteer Sign-up
Managed by event partner Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, registration for the 2023 Tofino Saltwater Classic derby, which includes a multi-course “Angler’s Dinner” on July 8, is open here: https://clayoquotbiosphere.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=1165
The event’s volunteer signup is open here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/966988847987454020/true#/invitation
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com
The Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison as a community fundraiser. Since its inception in 2009, the Tofino Saltwater Classic has raised funds via the event’s registration fees and silent auction, coupled with private donations from Tofino residents and business owners from around the province and across North America. All proceeds from the derby support Tofino community initiatives including:
- Wickaninnish Community School PAC Healthy Food Program
- Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society
- Tofino Hospital Foundation
- Tofino Recreation Commission
- Westcoast Multiplex Society
- Raincoast Education Society
- Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Society
- Tofino Legion Branch 65
- St. Francis of Assisi Women’s Support Program
- Community Children's Centre
- Tofino Volunteer Fire Department
- Tofino Community School Program
Media Contact: Lynda Kaye, Kaye Public Relations for the Tofino Saltwater Classic
lynda@kayepr.com p: 250.266.5293
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