Second Annual Police Association of Ontario’s Charity Golf Tournament Raises more than $20,000 for PTSD support
Funds raised by the PAO will go to two charities who provide vital services to police association members and other first responders in Ontario and across Canada
Brampton, Ontario, June 26, 2023 --- On Monday, members and supporters of the Police Association of Ontario (PAO) gathered for a day of fun on the golf course and raising money for an important cause: mental health support for first responders. More than $20,000 was raised to provide vital services for police members and other first responders for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“The PAO’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament coincides with Ontario’s PTSD Awareness Day. It’s important for us and our members to mark this day and raise funds for these vital organizations working to provide mental health support to members and other first responders,” said PAO President Mark Baxter. “While post-traumatic stress can affect anyone, our members are particularly at risk. The PAO continues to be dedicated to being a partner to these organizations and to providing our members with access to better resources for their mental health.”
This year, the golf tournament, attended by police association members, politicians and stakeholders, was again held at Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton and supported Badge of Life and Canada Beyond the Blue. The PAO partners with these vital organizations to provide mental health support to their members and first responders here in Ontario and nationwide.
“Last year’s inaugural tournament also raised $20,000 to support PTSD programs serving Ontario’s sworn and civilian police personnel. We are proud to continue to support with an additional $20,000 for mental health programming for police personnel,” added Baxter. “Appropriate and necessary mental health support in the face of our members' work is vital. We’re very thankful for these organizations that provide important services to our members and other first responders across the province and country.”
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Badge of Life Canada and Canada Beyond the Blue will split the proceeds raised, thanks to the support of 120 golfers from member associations across the province, as well as numerous sponsors, including platinum sponsor Laborers' International Union of North America and silver sponsor Zare Paralegal Service.
Canada Beyond the Blue is committed to providing a community of support to police members and their families, through resources that provides education, training and practical tools to enable families to thrive in their roles as the support system for their police member. Del Garda, President, was on hand for the tournament and was honoured to accept the donation.
“Canada Beyond the Blue is proud to be a partner of the PAO and this year’s charity recipient,” said Del. “We’re dedicated to strengthening and supporting families of law enforcement in Canada. The unprecedented deaths in our police family have taken a deep toll and our programs and resources for families would not be possible without the support of organizations like the PAO, at a time when our services are needed more now than ever before.”
Badge of Life empowers Canadian public safety personnel and their families who are dealing with operational stress injuries including post-traumatic stress and suicidal ideation, to achieve healthy living and post-traumatic growth. Dave Hargreaves, Chairperson of the Board, was also at the tournament and was happy to accept the donation.
“The number of suicides throughout the Canadian public safety personnel community has continued to rise. This generous donation will help Badge of Life Canada continue to empower Canadian public safety personnel and their families through education and peer support,” said Hargreaves. “Thank you for this generous donation and for moving the needle to address and end the stigma. Together, we can make a difference by supporting participants in their healing.