Despite nixing the fishing derby this year, Brendan Morrison’s Tofino Saltwater Classic still managed to score an impressive $90,000 for local organizations and initiatives.
“I am humbled by the remarkable generosity of the many supporters, donators and volunteers who helped us to raise a record amount of funds this year,” Morrison said through a media release announcing the funds netted. “Even though we chose not to have a derby this year, people stepped up to make sure we are able to support the Tofino community beneficiaries who depend on us.”
The former Vancouver Canucks star launched the local fundraising event in 2009 as a way to raise funds for community initiatives while sharing and showcasing the area’s amazing fishing opportunities.
It has now raised over $815,000 since its inception through registration fees, silent auctions, and private donations from across North America.
All proceeds go towards supporting the community, with the majority of funding being allocated to Wickaninnish Community’s School’s healthy food and literacy programs.
Other beneficiaries include the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society, Tofino Hospital Foundation, the Volunteer Fire Department, Raincoast Education Society and St. Francis of Assisi Women’s Support Program.
Low registration, blamed on Hwy. 4’s closure and consequential hesitance of travellers to risk getting stranded, forced the events fishing derby to be cancelled this year, so the event’s fundraising efforts relied on contributions from local businesses and private donors.
“For the first time in the Tofino Saltwater Classic history, additional funds were raised with an online auction that included more than 100 items donated by Tofino businesses and other event supporters,” the announcement reads.
Much to the delight of area youth, the Saltwater Classic’s annual Kids Ball Hockey Game was still held as Morrison hosted over 70 young players at Wickaninnish Community School’s outdoor court.
The hockey event was catered by the Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild and, along with the healthy snacks provided by the TUCG, participants received T-shirts and mini hockey sticks with Morrison staying over an hour after the last ball drop to mingle with the kids and make sure each one got his autograph.
“Our annual ball hockey game has become such a meaningful part of the Tofino Saltwater Classic,” Morrison said. “It gets so many kids and their families from Tofino and the surrounding communities together to enjoy a couple hours of friendly and action-packed competition, and the game really represents what our event is all about — doing as much as we can to support childhood health and wellbeing.”
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