The annual Jasper Victim Services Golf Tournament is something organizer Paul Schmidt looks forward to every year.
“It’s really my one fun day of work. I have a really gratifying job, but my work’s not fun so this is something I really enjoy—just seeing people having fun puts a smile on my face,” said Schmidt, who is the coordinator for Jasper Victim Services.
This year 156 golfers teed off at the Fairmont Jasper Park Golf Course for the eighth annual tournament, Sept. 9, to support the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year.
According to Schmidt, the organization raised about $25,000—the same amount the tournament brought in last year.
“Years ago I thought people just came out because it was a fun day, but as the years go by it’s become more clear to me that the community is really supportive of the service that we’re giving and they respect what we’re doing for the victims of Jasper,” Schmidt said. “We’re really lucky to have the community support that we do.”
On average, Schmidt said the organization spends between $10,000 and $15,000 a year helping victims of crime and trauma—whether that be giving people in distress a place to stay for the night, providing a warm meal or offering transportation.
“That’s all stuff that people don’t really think about, but it all adds up,” Schmidt said.
After the golf tournament, participants packed away their clubs and headed to the Sawridge Inn for a dinner and silent auction, which raised more than $1,000.
This year local businesses and organizations donated almost $29,000 worth of goods and food for the tournament.
“Again I can’t thank the community enough—this tournament really helps us meet the needs we have in the community,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt is also hoping some of the money raised will allow the organization to add another paid member for next summer.
“We’re looking to have some coverage for me so I’m not so often the person that is on call,” Schmidt said. “It’s been nine years like this and it’s been great, but I need a bit of a break sometimes and I’ve got a lot of support to find a way to make that happen.”
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
