Giving back to the community through charitable initiatives has always been at the core of GolfBC Group and the Chan family. So, it is no surprise that it was also a main priority when taking on the role of Title Sponsor at the GolfBC Championship; a Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada event held at Gallagher's Canyon in Kelowna every June.

During the event's inaugural year in 2016, with the help of generous donors, our first Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada event raised $75,000 which was matched by the Chan Family Foundation – GolfBC’s charitable arm – for a total of $150,000 and awarded to the tournament’s designated charity, the BC Cancer Foundation.

After the devastation caused by flooding throughout the Kelowna and Okanagan area, it was announced that a portion of the 2017 proceeds would be directed to the Red Cross Kelowna Flood Relief in efforts to support the community during a time of need.

“The fundamental belief upon which the Chan Family Foundation is built around is the spirit of giving back to our communities and the importance of helping others,” said Rita Rennie, GolfBC Director of Marketing. “We [were] pleased to continue supporting the BC Cancer Foundation as the GolfBC Championship’s designated charity beneficiary, however with the devastation caused by the flooding in the Kelowna area, we decided to direct part proceeds of our fundraising initiatives at [the 2017] event to aid the Red Cross Kelowna flood relief efforts". Last year we are proud to have donated both $50,000 to Red Cross Kelowna and $100,000 to the BC Cancer Foundation. 

The BC Cancer Foundation, over the last two years of the GolfBC Championship, has received a total of $250,000. So, where does this money go? It goes towards advancing cancer research and enhancing care for patients throughout B.C.

By working with donors, corporations, and events like the GolfBC Championship and the Chan Family Foundation, the BC Cancer Foundation is confident that our province CAN change the outcome of each person facing this disease. British Columbians become cancer survivors every day because of the excellent treatment and care they receive at BC Cancer, all thanks to a community that believe the investments in science and enhancements to care can make a significant difference.  

Over the last two years, The GolfBC Championship has directly supported the Foundation's project towards improving PET/CT technology and accessibility in the Kelowna area. With the demand for PET/CT technology across British Columbia at an all-time high, the BC Cancer Foundation is campaigning to double technology across the province. Currently, almost 900 patients from the Interior travel to Vancouver yearly for a PET/CT Scan. The GolfBC Championship's donations are helping bring the most advanced cancer diagnostic tool closer to patients in need.

We are proud to have contributed to what will hopefully result in better, more effective, and more accessible care for patients not only in the Kelowna area but across our province.

Thank you to all our generous donors and supporters who have contributed to the charitable efforts of Kelowna's only Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada event, the GolfBC Championship. We look forward to continue supporting such a noble and worthy cause that affects too many throughout the province and country. Whether you're spectating, volunteering, sponsoring, or playing in the Tuesday Pro-Am, you're making a difference and we truly appreciate the support. Thank you, and we'll see you again in June!

This year's GolfBC Championship at Gallagher's Canyon will take place June 11-17. For the tournament schedule, ticket purchasing, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship information, and event details; please visit www.golfbcchampionship.com