Money raised at the 24th annual United Way of Oakville Mayor’s Invitational Golf Tournament will help some very worthwhile community causes, Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher told 150 people who attended a dinner following the fund-raising event.
“I want to thank the United Way for the good work they do and our wonderful community of Oakville for helping those agencies and people that need help,” he told the audience.
“We know that our money is going to a very, very good cause and we appreciate the work that the United Way does in Oakville every single day.”
Local 793 was the title sponsor of the June 27 golf tournament, the biggest fund-raising event held each year by the Oakville United Way.
This year, the tournament raised more than $130,000 for 33 community agencies that provide programs for isolated seniors, struggling families and people striving to get back on their feet.
Gallagher said Local 793 was title sponsor of the tournament because the union made a commitment to be involved in the community when it moved its head office to Oakville in 2005.
“It’s something that we take very, very seriously and we hope to continue to be involved in supporting the Oakville community.”
Gallagher noted that a number of unionized contractors also participated in the tournament, including EllisDon, Cooper Construction Ltd., Bot Construction Group and Associated Paving.
Chris Stoate, chair of the Oakville campaign, thanked attendees for their support and said he is hopeful that the success of the tournament is an indication of where this year’s fund-raising efforts are headed.
Last year, the campaign raised $4 million.
Oakville councillor Keith Bird told the audience that money raised at the tournament will make “a real difference” in the lives of many in Oakville.
Oakville Major Rob Burton said in a statement that the event relies on the hard work of the tournament committee, staff and a host of other committed people.
“The generosity of the local business community ensures that Oakville will continue to be a healthy, caring and inclusive community,” he wrote.