9th Annual Saltwater Classic Fundraiser Fishing Derby Surpasses Half Million Dollars Total Funds Raised

Tofino’s Largest Fundraiser Contributes Additional $80,000 to Support Community Initiatives

Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, July 10, 2018 – Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison today announced that the recent Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby fundraiser event, held for the ninth consecutive year in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, netted more than $80,000 — bringing the total amount raised for local community initiatives since the event’s inception to more than $500,000.

This year’s Tofino Saltwater Classic beneficiaries include:

  • Wickaninnish School PAC Healthy Food and Literacy Programs
  • Tofino Parks and Recreation
  • The Tofino Hospital Foundation & Physical Therapy Departments
  • Pacific Rim Hospice Society
  • Tofino Community Food Initiative
  • The Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society
  • The West Coast Multiplex Society
  • The Tofino Volunteer Fire Department
  • The Tofino Legion Branch 65 Youth Program
  • The Raincoast Education Society
  • The Tofino-Clayoquot Heritage Society
  • St. Francis of Assisi Programs
  • Clayoquot Cleanup
  • Cedar Coast Field Station
  • Providing For the Children Fund

“Even after nine years, I am touched and inspired by the enthusiasm of our derby’s participants and the generosity of our volunteers and supporters,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby host, Brendan Morrison. “Surpassing the half million dollar total funds raised goal is a significant achievement and is a rewarding milestone for everyone who has helped to make the Saltwater Classic a great success. We look forward to continuing what has become an enjoyable and impactful tradition next year.”

130 anglers participated in the 2016 Tofino Saltwater Classic with the following winners and prizes:

  • Top Chinook (26.95 pounds): Ryan Erickson - Prize $6,000
  • 2nd Place Chinook (24.78 pounds): Hooked on Miracles - Prize $3,000
  • 3rd Place Chinook (20.98 pounds): Dan Horsack  - Prize $1,500
  • Top Coho (14.84 pounds): Steve Austin (Team Allure Tackle)  - Prize $1,500
  • Top Halibut (48.48 pounds): Aaron Brevick - Prize $1,500

“With its ever-increasing financial support for important programs that may not be possible otherwise, the Tofino Saltwater Classic continues to have a substantial  and positive impact on our community,” said Tofino Mayor, Josie Osborne. “A heartfelt thank-you to Brendan and Erin Morrison and the derby’s participants for their continued dedication to this long-standing event, and to the many volunteers and local and regional businesses who make it possible.”

In addition to participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raised funds at a silent auction, and by private donations from Tofino residents and business owners from around the province.

The Tofino Saltwater Classic 2019 will be held on July 6, 7 and 8.

About the Tofino Saltwater Classic http://www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com
n its ninth year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison as a fundraiser for Tofino community initiatives.

Event and Media Contact
Lynda Kaye, Kaye Public Relations for the Tofino Saltwater Classic
e: lynda@kayepr.com    p: 250.266.5293

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Tofino Saltwater Classic 2018 top prize winner, Ryan Erickson, (left) hoisting the derby’s trophy with the event’s founder, Brendan Morrison.

Tofino Saltwater Classic 2018 top prize winner, Ryan Erickson, (left) hoisting the derby’s trophy with the event’s founder, Brendan Morrison.

Tofino Saltwater Classic