A fundraising golfathon swung out support for struggling B.C. ALS patients.
Pro Myles Johnston and Sieg Schreve played as many rounds of golf at the Spallumcheen Golf and Country Club as they could swing from 5:30 a.m. to sunset. The pair managed to raise around $3,000 to go toward ALS.
The men felt lucky to have some clouds to block some of the sun, but the day still heated up along the course of their 162 holes.
“We just want to raise money and awareness for the ALS Society of B.C.,” said Johnston.
Murray Vatamaniuck, who lives with ALS, went down to the club with his son Chip Vatamaniuck to show his support and thank the men for their efforts.
“I wanted them to know I appreciate them,” said Murray, who has been living with the disease for four years.
Awareness is important to patients, Murray said. Through these important fundraisers, ALS patients are able to receive every day items to make their lives a little easier.
“They help get support rods for balance, a lift chair for the living room, bench for the shower, or anything else that makes it easier,” said Murray.
He worked as a conservation officer in Vernon from 1986 to 2003, and is now doing a personal fundraiser that will lead into the annual ALS walk at Polson Park on Sept. 9. Vatamaniuck encourages people to come together and help him raise the funds needed for the near future.
Johnson and Schreve were among professionals at more than 35 locations taking part in golfathons throughout June to raise ALS funds and awareness.
ALS affects approximately two out of 100,000 people and around 4,000 Canadians are living with the disease every day. The ALS Society of B.C. helps provide support to patients and raise funds for services, research, and awareness of the disease.
To donate to Murray, search for the Vernon walk and his name at www.alsbc.ca/events/2017-walks-als-bc-yukon.