CALGARY, Alta. — First Tee – Alberta celebrated a milestone second in 2025, with almost $200,000 raised by means of the generosity of its partnership with the Rogers Charity Basic.
Backed by Calgary’s Patron Group of enterprise leaders together with PGA TOUR skilled Stephen Ames, the Rogers Charity Basic (previously the Shaw Charity Basic) is the lone Canadian cease on the PGA TOUR Champions. Since its launch in 2013, the event has raised an unbelievable $137 million for greater than 300 charities supporting kids and households in want throughout Alberta.
The beneficiant funding to First Tee – Alberta helps Golf Canada broaden the attain of its youth improvement program throughout the province, offering extra equity-deserving kids entry to golf whereas fostering life abilities improvement, confidence and neighborhood connection. Since 2024, First Tee – Alberta has launched greater than 6,000 youth to the game by means of programming at faculties, neighborhood centres, and golf amenities.
“A 12 months like this doesn’t occur with out significant companions who consider in what we’re constructing,” mentioned Kelsey Chadwick, improvement officer of First Tee – Alberta. “The impression of the Rogers Charity Basic and its philanthropic efforts locally have been transformational. First Tee is proud to be supported by the Rogers Charity Basic and the occasion’s great dedication to serving to the following technology of golfers thrive each on and off the course.”
A spotlight for this system’s fundraising exercise got here throughout the Rogers Legends of Hockey Shootout, the place junior elite golfer Sydney Bisgrove represented First Tee – Alberta in a 100-yard closest-to-the-pin problem. Bisgrove’s efficiency helped safe a $115,000 donation, marking a turning level for the chapter.
“Being a part of that second was unbelievable,” mentioned Bisgrove. “To signify First Tee – Alberta in entrance of so many individuals and know that it helped increase such a giant donation that can have an effect on grassroots golf alternatives throughout the province is one thing I’ll always remember.”
Sean Van Kesteren, government director of the Rogers Charity Basic, is proud to see the event’s impression prolong far past golf.
“Our mission has all the time been to showcase the sport’s greats whereas utilizing the event to provide again,” Van Kesteren mentioned. “The Legends of Hockey occasion brings followers and households collectively in a singular manner, whereas additionally driving actual help for charities like First Tee – Alberta.”
By the 2025 Rogers Birdies for Youngsters offered by AltaLink program, donations made between March and August had been matched as much as 50 per cent, producing further funding of $17,000 for the Alberta chapter.
First Tee – Alberta additionally acquired a $50,000 Charity Champion Grant earlier this season which supported First Nation outreach and supplied entry to this system for communities that will not in any other case have the chance to play.
“The Rogers Charity Basic has grow to be a staple in Calgary’s summer season calendar and an incredible instance of what can occur when neighborhood and sport come collectively,” mentioned Van Kesteren.
First Tee – Alberta continues to develop due to the beneficiant help of donors, organizations and occasions such because the Rogers Charity Basic. The help of Calgary’s signature championship in serving to the chapter obtain this fundraising milestone demonstrates the facility of sport in bringing folks collectively and creating lasting change each on and off the golf course.
To be taught extra about First Tee – Alberta, go to firstteealberta.ca.
