‘It’s to improve health care in the region’

Local health foundation’s Golf For Health returns next month

The Central Northeast Health Foundation (CNHF) is teeing up for its annual Golf For Health charity tournament.

For 20 years, the CNHF has held the tournament to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. It has raised more than $700,000 during its two decades and purchased many items to help serve the region, including pulmonary function test equipment, breast specimen imaging unit, echo cardiography, a radiolucent table, a slit lamp for ophthalmology, among many other items. Last year, the money raised was used towards a wheelchair accessible bus for Lakeside Homes and the new long-term care facility in Gander.

For this year’s 21st annual tournament, on July 7, the fundraising is two-part.

They are trying to raise $17,500 for a ZOLL Autopulse for the Norte Dame

Bay Memorial Health Centre. This piece of equipment does compressions for paramedics performing CPR so they don’t have to use their hands to do manual compressions, leaving them free to do other things, CNHF executive director Courtney Stoyles explains.

The other project they are working towards is a procedural skills simulation laboratory, which will cost about $49,000.

“At present time, not all physicians are able to perform procedures involving airway management, emergency cardiac pacing and emergency central line insertion. This equipment will allow training so that more physicians are able to provide these emergency procedures and provide practice to those who know how to perform them but don’t get a lot of opportunities to practice their skills,” Stoyles says.

She adds it can also be used for high school students who are deciding what they may be interested in when they attend post-secondary education.

The simulation laboratory would be housed at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre, but they would allow it to be used throughout their region.

THE DAY-LONG EVENT

The last two tournaments have looked a little different due to the pandemic, so they are looking forward to a little more normalcy at this year’s tournament.

Registration for the 18hole, best-ball tournament beings at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. sharp at the Gander Golf Club.

The tournament typically has a theme so golfers can have extra fun and possibly win a prize. This year’s theme is Marvel vs. DC Superheroes.

There are a lot of opportunities outside of golf, Stoyles says. They also have a Plinko game, hole-in-one area, closest to the cup, three closest to the pin and a poker run.

“We try to do lots of different fun things to get people interested, involved and entertained for the day,” Stoyles says.

“But, of course, it’s all about doing it for health. It’s to improve health care in the region and it does that; we’ve definitely had some wonderful success throughout the years with this tournament.”

Thanks to several sponsors who have come forward to donate food, there will be snacks throughout the day, and at the end of the tournament there will be a meal from Chef Josh at the new

Par 70 by Chef Josh restaurant at the Gander Golf Club.

There are several ways to assist the CNHF throughout its Golf For Health charity

tournament, including corporate sponsorship, team sponsorship, tee or hole sponsorship, or donations of cash and prizes.

“This has been a very successful tournament over the past 20 years thanks to all of our amazing corporate sponsors and donors,” Stoyles says. “This would not have been possible to do without them. There have been so many amazing things that we have purchased throughout our time of the tournament. The money has gone towards some really great things that have made such a difference to health in our region. We so appreciate everybody who’s willing to get involved and we hope to see you on the green this year.”

The registered charity,

formed in 1989, has a mission to enhance the quality of life for the approximately 40,500 residents in the about 89 communities it serves from Glenwood in the west, to Charlottetown in the east and north through the Eastport Peninsula, New-Wes-Valley, Fogo Island and all points in between through the provision of innovative equipment, tools and technologies that promote the best possible health and wellness.

For more information on this event or to download this year’s registration form, visit

cnehf.nl.ca. For anyone interested in discussing sponsorship or donating opportunities, phone Stoyles at 709-256-5493 or email Courtney.Stoyles@centralhealth.nl.ca.