PRESS RELEASE: 13th Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fundraiser Supports Youth and Community Programs with Record $90,000; Event’s Total Funds Raised to Date Exceed $815,000
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, August 7, 2023 – Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison today announced that the recent Tofino Saltwater Classic Fundraiser netted an additional $90,000 to support youth and community programs, bringing the total funds raised by the event to more than $815,000. All proceeds from the event support Tofino community beneficiaries, with the bulk of funds going to the Wickaninnish School PAC Healthy Food and Literacy Programs.
Unlike previous Tofino Saltwater Classics, the 2023 fundraiser did not include a fishing derby component due to a number of logistics and travel challenges. Instead, the fundraiser relied on cash contributions from local businesses and private donors. And, for the first time in the Tofino Saltwater Classic history, additional funds were raised with an online auction that included more than 100 items donated by Tofino businesses and other event supporters.
“I am humbled by the remarkable generosity of the many supporters, donators and volunteers who helped us to raise a record amount of funds this year,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic founder, Brendan Morrison. “Even though we chose not to have a derby this year, people stepped up to make sure we are able to support the Tofino community beneficiaries who depend on us.”
Keeping with tradition, the Tofino Saltwater Classic kicked off with a volunteer-managed ball hockey game for kids of all ages hosted by Brendan Morrison at Tofino’s Wickaninnish School – one of the largest beneficiaries of the fundraiser. More than seventy children, youth, and their families participated in the game and were then treated to an array of nutritious snacks provided by the Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild. Participants also received a special edition Tofino Saltwater Classic T-shirt.
“Our annual ball hockey game has become such a meaningful part of the Tofino Saltwater Classic,” added Morrison. “It gets so many kids and their families from Tofino and the surrounding communities together to enjoy a couple hours of friendly and action-packed competition, and the game really represents what our event is all about — doing as much as we can to support childhood health and wellbeing.”
Dates for the 2024 Tofino Saltwater Classic will be announced later this year.
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 have supported 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
- 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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