Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament a Success!

Tanya Noyes • August 29, 2023

Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament a Success!

BROCKVILLE & KINGSTON, ON – This year’s Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament in support of the United Way Leeds & Grenville and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a great success thanks to the generosity of people in our region!


The final total raised will be more than $182,000 to support many of the most vulnerable people in our communities.


“Our late MP Gord Brown really set a standard of caring for our community and we are so pleased to be able continue this great work with the support of his family,” said Jane Hess, Interim Executive Director of United Way Leeds & Grenville. “We are thankful for the Brown family’s trust in us to utilize these funds to support health equity in our community through important local programs and services. Working with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, on the event, we welcomed back so many volunteers, sponsors and golfers who truly care about our communities.”


Larry Robinson, Al Iafrate and Todd Gill kicked off the day with a media event and spent time with fans, signing memorabilia and being available for lots of selfies. The three former NHLers have am affinity for our region. Robinson played for the Brockville Braves and has family in the area. Iafrate began his hockey career in Belleville and loves using hockey as a way to give back to the community. Gill grew up in the area and also played for the Brockville Braves. He said: “I grew up in a small town in Ontario and to do these things is an honour and something I enjoy doing. I get to see a lot of familiar faces, and I have a lot of fun.”


Robinson loves playing the course at Smuggler’s Glen. “My brother and I like to play at least once or twice a year because it’s such a spectacular view.” He added, “Gord did a lot for charity, so it’s great to come back and help the cause.”


“It’s the kind of event where everyone has a good time made even better by the knowledge that by sponsoring, participating or volunteering, they are helping people,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “Larry, Al and Todd give their time because they know just how important it is for people to have access to the supports they need. Everyone who helps has shown a lot of heart and we are very grateful to them. We are particularly indebted to the Brown family and their continued support of our communities.”


The United Way and YMCA wish to thank all the sponsors of the Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament whose support was invaluable to the success of the event.


1000 Islands Community Development Corporation

Canarm Ltd.

Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands

BDO

Findlay Foods (Kingston) Ltd.

Andrew Kizell Photography

Smart Centres Real Estate Investment Trust

Henderson Digital Marketing & Printing

Bell Media (Move FM/Bounce FM)

Post Media

Gananoque Chevrolet Buick GMC

Burnbrae Farms Ltd.

G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Co. Ltd.

Pal Insurance

Kingston Frontenacs

Gananoque Lions Club

Gan Brewing Co.

HangUps Creative Picture Framing

Travelodge (Gananoque-1000 Islands)

The Pump House Creamery

Culligan

Coca Cola Canada Bottling Ltd.

Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course

Gananoque Chev Cadillac Buick GMC

Beer Canada

Comfort Inn & Suites (Gananoque-1000 Islands)

Northern Cables Incorporated

Jay Rayner/Assante Wealth Management

Starbucks (Gananoque-1000 islands)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Gananoque)

Pelee Island Winery

Brockville Hyundai

Choice Hotels

The Keystorm Pub

Brown Hospitality Corporation


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local NHL Alumni to Join Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament LEEDS & GRENVILLE, ON –United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) and the Brown family are excited to announce that NHL alumni Chris Neil and Alyn McCauley will participate in the 6th Annual Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Smugglers Glen Golf Course. “We are thrilled to welcome NHL Alumni Chris Neil and Alyn McCauley to this year’s event,” said Jeff Brown, Honorary Chair and Gord’s brother. “Their participation brings an added level of excitement and creates a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.” While the tournament is currently sold out, a waitlist is available and limited sponsorship opportunities remain, including access to the VIP Reception with NHL Alumni and golf spots. For more information, visit www.uwlg.org or contact Melissa Hindman. Chris Neil, one of the most recognizable players in Ottawa Senators history, played his entire 17-year NHL career with the organization, appearing in 1,026 games. He now serves as the Senators’ Vice President of Business and Community Development. Alyn McCauley, born in Brockville and raised in Gananoque, enjoyed a 10-year NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings. A former Ottawa 67’s star and two-time World Junior gold medalist, McCauley remains actively involved in hockey operations today. “On behalf of United Way Leeds & Grenville, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, especially Canarm Ltd. and Shorelines Casino, for their generous support,” said Ian McFall, Board Chairperson, United Way Leeds & Grenville. “We also thank the Brown family and the Winter Classic Committee for helping recruit these talented professionals.” Now in its sixth year, the tournament honours the legacy of the late Gord Brown, former Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. The event brings together golfers, community leaders, and supporters to continue Gord’s legacy of giving back. The Brown family is proud that more than $1 million raised in his name to date and the tournament proceeds support United Way Leeds & Grenville initiatives addressing housing and homelessness, food insecurity, mental health and addictions, and programs for children and youth throughout the region. – 30 – About United Way Leeds & Grenville: United Way Leeds & Grenville is dedicated to improving lives and building a stronger community. We focus on critical issues such as food security, homelessness, housing, mental health, addictions, and supports for children and youth. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to community, we strive to create vibrant, caring communities where everyone can thrive. Media Contact: Melissa Hindman Director of Resource Development United Way Leeds & Grenville 613-342-8889 ext. 26  melissa.hindman@uwlg.org
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