Giving Back - The 14th Annual Golf Tournament

Calgary Women in Energy is organizing our 14th Annual Golf Tournament, and although we have done this many times, there is something really special about this year. I am not exactly sure why this year is different, perhaps it is because even with all of the challenges our industry is facing and the financial struggles businesses and people are suffering, the generosity and compassion of the oil and gas community does not falter. In fact, the pulse of Alberta seems to beat stronger than ever. People whose companies have been hit really hard are still smiling and reaching for their wallets in support of this charitable tournament. Perhaps, they cannot afford to give as much as they have in the past, but they still do give. Maybe it is because the team of ladies on the CWIE Golf Tournament organizational committee are so passionate in their commitment to this project, and every time we meet, they inspire me with their enthusiastic contributions. Maybe it is because as we organize this tournament I am afforded constant glimpses of the greatness and kindness people are capable of and the strength, heart, and character of this community no matter what befalls it. It infuses me with encouragement and optimism.

For the third year in a row, all benefits from this tournament will be donated to Discovery House. Since 1980, they have provided services for abused women and children to enable them to live safely. After the initial abuse has been circumvented, Discovery House offers long term transitional housing and counselling that rehabilitates and reintroduces families into our community free from violence. They offer shelter, hope, education, and support to families as they evolve from a life of fear and powerlessness to one of security and empowerment. The Calgary Police Department has noticed a significant increase in the number of incidents of domestic violence over this same time last year, and Discovery House's need for our support is greater than ever. Last year, we were able to donate $45,000 to this worthy cause, and we hope to match or outdo that donation this year.

We return to host the tournament at the D'Arcy Ranch Golf Course in Okotoks for the seventh year. Registration opened to the oil and gas community on May 16th, so please help us to sell out this tournament. There are still sponsorship opportunities available for those who would like to get involved. We thankfully welcome back returning sponsors, such as TNT Engineering, Progress Energy, Investors Group, RBC, CIR Realty, and my company, Big Rock Oilfield Services. I would also like to acknowledge all of our new sponsors, such as Canbriam, Sand and Sable, Akita Drilling, Flex Steel, New Horizon, BHD Tubular, Nomadic Modular Structures, Micotan, and Aqua Pure Technologies. Without our sponsors, this tournament could not be a success, so we owe all of them a big thank you.

We are also excited to announce WestJet has donated two tickets to anywhere WestJet flies for us to raffle off at the CWIE hole. We have amassed all sorts of exciting prizes for our participants to bid on and win this year. I promise our silent auction and bucket draw prizes will not disappoint. However, the prize committee is still accepting any and all prize and silent auction donations, so if you or your company would like to get involved please don't hesitate to reach out to me for further information at poppy.guloien@ bigrockservices.ca or 403-998-7972.

I once watched a TED Talk that reported people who actively give back to their community in charitable service to others statistically live longer. Come, let me show you the way to the fountain of youth.