The start of the 22nd Annual Osprey Links Charity Golf Gala had a very different look this year.
The event which has raised about $750,000 for charity over the past 22 years did not have a large contingent of golfers, there was no shot gun start, and the fundraising silent auction has turned online.
Despite the challenges, Paul Heinrich, CEO of the North Bay Regional Health Centre is grateful for the support from the public including title sponsor One Life Wealth Management.
"It is harder to raise funds but you have seen today innovative approaches are being taken by foundations and online auctions are an example of that," said Heinrich prior to his Wednesday morning tee-off.
"I would say it is harder to raise money now but with our specific needs during the pandemic people came to our support and our hospital team was given a lot of different fruits and refreshments and I can't tell you how important that was at the time."
Mike Harris, the former premier who has been the honourary chair for the event since its inception, was pleased to attend and bring along his son Mike Harris Jr. with him on his team replacing his regular partner Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.
"I have always loved golf and I am fortunate in my life the things I have been able to do," said Harris who is also a former golf pro.
"I have an opportunity to give back in a number of ways and this is one of the opportunities that I have to give back to the community and health care and the hospital and care closer to home is very important to all of us and I am proud to be able to have the opportunity to do that."
Heinrich says the organizers are hoping to raise at least $25,000 during the event.
