Tourney raises $150,000 for cancer society transportation

WELLINGTON COUNTY - The 33rd annual Wheels of Hope Golf Classic Tournament raised a record $150,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope Guelph and Wellington transportation program.

Wheels of Hope offers those diagnosed with cancer a ride to appointments at Guelph General Hospital, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or hospitals in Toronto or London.

Funds raised from the July 22 event will help cover administration costs and reimbursements to  75 volunteer drivers in Guelph and Wellington County.

The transportation program has been in operation for more than 40 years in the county. According to the Wheels of Hope Golf Classic website, “In Guelph and Wellington County 338 patients used the program in 2017, totaling 4,725 trips and covering 309,063 kilometers driven.”

The Wheels of Hope Golf Classic Tournament, held every July at Cutten Fields golf course in Guelph, is organized by an independent group that fundraises for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Karen Griffiths, senior manager of the society’s Waterloo-Wellington community office, explained the group’s efforts are a great benefit to the transportation program. “What we are very grateful for is the fact that it means that more money can go towards funding the wheels of hope transportation program in Wellington County,” said Griffiths.

The money was raised through tournament registration fees as well as sponsorship from local businesses.

According to Griffiths, support from businesses goes a long way to help bolster cancer society initiatives like the golf tournament.

“That’s another thing we are very grateful for, because that’s really what drives that revenue so high,” said Griffiths.