The 4th annual McLean Construction Charity Golf Tournament at the Osoyoos Golf Club last year was all about having fun, not making par. Shown here is the Hachey/Hanson team exchanging high-fives after a good hole. From left are Sandra Hachey, Lesley Hanson, Wayne Hachey, and Chris Hanson. (Lyonel Doherty file photo)

A charity golf tournament that continues to make a positive difference in the lives of Osoyoos residents is ready to return.

The McLean Construction Annual Charity Golf Tournament will take place at the Osoyoos Golf Club on Saturday, Sept, 23 and registration is now open, said Kirsten McLean, who along with her husband Len are the proud owners of McLean Construction and organizers of the golf fundraiser.

“This is all about allowing our family to give back to the community that has shown such tremendous support to our business and our family,” said Kirsten. “The community has been great to us and this tournament provides an opportunity to do something really positive for the community, so we’re really looking forward to it once again.”

In its first four years, the McLean Construction charity golf tournament has raised more than $40,000 and Kirsten is confident the mark will exceed $50,000 after the numbers are added up after this year’s event.

“As an annual event, it is our objective to raise significant funds to support the ever growing demand for community based development programs for both youth and seniors,” she said. “This year, the money raised will be given to the Osoyoos Food Bank, Osoyoos Elementary School Lunch Program and the Osoyoos Secondary School Lunch Program.

“By donating to these initiatives, we hope to touch many lives in the community.”

Over the last four years, the money raised at this tournament have assisted a wide variety of local groups and organizations, including Desert Valley Hospice Society Supportive Care Centre, Osoyoos Child Care Centre, Osoyoos Elementary School Parent Advisory Council, Osoyoos Secondary School bursary fund, South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association, Penticton BMX Club, Dance Oasis, South Okanagan Children’s Charity and Osoyoos Food Bank.

The tournament generally attracts about 100 participants, but there is room for up to 144 golfers during the four-member scramble format tournament.

Kirsten is looking for sponsors for the event, including hole sponsors and silent auction items. All proceeds from the silent auction will also go to the local charities. Sponsorship is a minimum of $200 for skill prizes, hole sponsorship and the Hole in One competition.

Anyone interested can mail a cheque to Box 801, Osoyoos, B.C., V0H 1V0. The cheque should be made payable to McLean Construction. Donations of products or promotional items for the silent auction can be dropped off at the McLean Construction office at 8503 78th Avenue in Osoyoos or you can contact Kirsten McLean at 250-689-8004.

Registration on Sept. 23 will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the tournament set to begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost to register for the tournament is $120 and includes cart, lunch, dinner and a lot of fun. You can register at the phone number listed above or by email at [email protected].

KEITH LACEY

Osoyoos Times