Maddy Boelhouwer/ Golf Canada
Multi-year reward will positively influence youth throughout the maritime provinces by way of inexpensive and inclusive entry to golf
FEBRUARY 29, 2024 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Basis are proud to announce that the Hewitt Basis has pledged a serious reward of $1.35M CAD that instantly advantages First Tee – Atlantic.
The Hewitt Basis is a non-public Canadian basis that was established in 2017 on the time of the sale of Hewitt Gear Restricted and Atlantic Tractors and Gear. Hewitt Gear was based in 1952 by the late Robert Hewitt. Jim Hewitt and the Hewitt household created the Basis to assist deliver significant and sustainable social, financial, and cultural change by granting, investing, and collaborating with different organizations, companions, and the general public.
“We’re proud to assist organizations which are bettering the lives of Canadians by way of wholesome, energetic residing and schooling. We perceive the values that the sport of golf can present and are aligned with First Tee’s mission to offer environments that foster interior confidence, perseverance, and honesty by way of sport,” stated Hewitt Basis CEO, Kim Anderson. “The Maritimes are particularly essential to us. Hewitt Gear operated in these provinces for 65 years, so it’s particular to proceed that legacy and assist the communities that helped make the Hewitt household enterprise profitable.”
Golf Canada partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Canada and supply youth with inexpensive and inclusive entry to golf together with life-enhancing experiences by way of the sport. First Tee – Atlantic launched in 2022 and as of 2024, six chapters are working First Tee – Canada programming in each province.
First Tee is delivered in three settings, golf programs, faculties, and group centres with distinctive curriculums and coaching for every. Final yr, First Tee – Atlantic delivered programming to almost 11,500 members at 54 program places throughout all 4 provinces, with a workforce of three workers and 20 licensed First Tee coaches. Practically 40 % of members recognized as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Individual of Color), and 52 % recognized as feminine. By the assist of donors just like the Hewitt Basis, 72 % of programming was supplied for free of charge to members.
“The generosity of the Hewitt Basis has helped speed up the expansion and influence made in communities throughout the Atlantic,” stated Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “This monetary assist permits us to onboard program places, practice coaches, present program tools kits, and most significantly, present inexpensive and accessible introductory golf programming to kids. The work we do wouldn’t be attainable with out the assist of donors just like the Hewitt Basis.”
By its deep community of donors, Golf Canada Basis is a important companion in supporting the development of First Tee – Canada chapters throughout the nation by way of its fundraising and philanthropic efforts.
“The Hewitt Basis, alongside many different beneficiant donors, is the explanation we’ve positively impacted over 85,000 youth throughout Canada,” stated Golf Canada Basis CEO, Martin Barnard. “We’re dedicated to the identical mission – offering empowering alternatives to kids by way of sport and making certain golf participation extra carefully displays the strengths of Canada’s range. Collectively, we’re constructing sport changers.”
The generosity of the Hewitt Basis provides to a rising variety of vital donations which have been secured since First Tee – Canada’s inception in 2020.
To study extra about First Tee – Atlantic, or to donate, go to www.firstteeatlantic.ca/.
