The Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation is hosting their Graham Slam golf tournament, with this year’s proceeds going towards Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan.
“We just love the things that they provide for families — families in need and now that we have two little ones of our own, it’s heartbreaking to see what some families have to go through with young children who are sick,” said Graham DeLaet.
The annual event is looking to raise $250,000 for the charity through their gala on Wednesday night at TCU Place and a golf tournament on Thursday at the Willows Golf and Country Club.
“It really is amazing and it just makes you feel great, to be able to help families that desperately need some help,” DeLaet said.
The Ronald McDonald House can support up to 34 families at a time and around 1,500-1,600 families use the facilities every year.
“I think for us having certainly a significant foundation, like the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation support the house, it just means that our mission speaks to so many people across the province, across the country and really globally. So the support is just great for us,” said Tammy Forrester, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan.
The money raised will be going toward the operations of the House.
“First and foremost, to support our food program here at the house. We’ve certainly seen an increase in need for families, to help feed them, help nourish them. We’ve increased our breakfast programs, we have home-for-dinner programs. Our community pantry needs to be filled so much of the contribution will go towards supporting our food programs.”
Shaw is presenting the golf tournament, and also donated $80,000 to the foundation.
“The Ronald McDonald House is a phenomenon onto itself. You just have to walk around to see the impact it has on the families who are staying here. Nobody wants to have that moment where they need something like the Ronald McDonald House but when it’s here, as a family, you really have the chance to be relieved of some of the burdens,” said Shaw Communications vice-president of external affairs Chethan Lakshman.
Since 2013, the Graham and Rudy DeLaet Foundation has raised over $1.5 million to improve children’s health and wellness and to help develop junior golf across the country.