PRESS RELEASE: 14th Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby and Community Fundraiser Slated for July 5-6, 2024
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, April 30, 2024 – Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison today announced that the 14th annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby fundraiser event is taking place on July 5 and 6, 2024 in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The popular event, which comprises a youth ball hockey game, one-day fishing derby, angler’s dinner, and an online auction, is run by Morrison and a team of volunteers. To date, the Tofino Saltwater Classic has raised more than $815,000 to support Tofino community initiatives with the majority of the funds going to support the Wickaninnish School PAC Healthy Food and Literacy Programs. Other beneficiaries include the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society and the West Coast Multiplex Society, among other environmental and youth-focused initiatives.
Schedule of Fishing, Fundraising and Youth Events
July 5 – Youth Ball Hockey Game with Brendan Morrison and Friends
10:00 AM: Wickaninnish Community School
July 6 – Fishing Derby (Entry fee fundraiser, cash prizes for the 3 heaviest hatchery chinook (no wild fish eligible) and heaviest legal halibut.
6:00AM – 5:00 PM: British Columbia tidal areas 23 and 24
July 4-11
Online auction (Link to be posted on www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com)
“The Tofino Saltwater Classic is an exceptional community fundraiser that my family and I are delighted to continue to produce with the help of a dedicated team of on-the-ground volunteers and long-standing sponsors,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic founder, Brendan Morrison. “The longevity of the event speaks to how meaningful it is for our beneficiaries, many of whom depend on our financial support for survival. Every dollar we raise goes back to supporting them and important initiatives they manage.”
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby and Silent Auction
In addition to derby participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raises funds with an online auction open to derby participants and the general public. The auction features a variety of items such as hockey memorabilia, fishing gear, food and beverage certificates, 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, Donation Link, Volunteer Sign-up
Managed by event partner Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, registration for the 2024 Tofino Saltwater Classic derby, which includes a multi-course “Angler’s Dinner” on July 6, is open here. Cash donations in support of the Tofino Saltwater Classic’s community beneficiaries are gratefully accepted here. Tax receipts are available for all donations.
The event’s volunteer signup is open here.
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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