144 golfers participated in the OPPA 15th Annual Charity Golf Classic

Our “Heroes in Life, Not Death” were celebrated on Thursday June 9, 2022, at the Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Thornton, Ontario.

OPPA director Mike Adair
OPPA Golf Classic Organizing Committee, OPPA Director Mike Adair

OPPA Director Mike Adair was the chair of the organizing committee for this year’s OPPA Golf Classic, and stated to a packed dinner crowd:

After the last two years of the provincial shutdowns this year’s 15th Annual OPPA Charity Golf Classic tournament was long overdue.  The amount of interest we have had by both participants and sponsors for this tournament has been amazing and with that a sold-out venue. Without these donations the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation could not manage the memorial or hold the annual Ceremony of Remembrance at Queens Park.  We owe it to our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities they served.  We also owe it to the families of those heroes that they leave behind, to let them know they will never be forgotten.  This year the OPMF added 6 names of officers who died in the line of duty to the 266 names already enshrined on the Wall. Among those honoured this year was our very own OPP Provincial Constable Marc Hovingh who died tragically November 19th, 2020.  Six more Heroes in Life shall forever be listed among those whom we shall never forget.  Thank you to all that made this day the success it was.

One hundred and forty-four golfers came out on what started as an overcast day that turned into a beautiful sunny day for golf for the OPPA 15th Annual Charity Golf Classic. All proceeds are donated to the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation. Attendees were from Police Associations across Ontario, as well as community partners and sponsors. The Ontario Police Memorial Foundation was represented by OPMF President Jason Tomlinson and OPMF and OPPA Board Member Lynn Neale.

A shotgun start and best ball saw the golf course populated with many accomplished golfers, along with many novices. Regardless of your skill level, it was smiles all around for the entire day. Many attendees were able to reconnect with several colleagues and friends that has been missed over the past two years during the Covid restrictions.

A full course dinner was served for all the attendees.  A tribute was led by Director Adair of a longtime supporter of the OPPA Golf Tournament and benefits partner with the OPP Association, Bill Vito, who died earlier this year. A heartfelt round of applause followed. Vito’s daughter Michele Sterns, CEO of Williams Leal and Vito Inc. Target Benefit Administrators Ltd. was present for the moving tribute.

OPP Association President Stinson was in attendance and addressed the full banquet hall at the dinner. Stinson thanked all of those who sponsored, attended and organized the event.

Several organizations greeted golfers at various holes, including the Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program representatives from Dalton Associates.

A Hole In One contest, two putting games operated by OPPA staff and the silent auction all added to the funds raised for the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation.

Items for the live auction, generously donated by our sponsors included a gift certificate for Hydro Pools ($10,000 value), a Treager Smoker with accessories ($3,300 value), an electric golf cart package ($1600.00 value) and a Lous Vitton Women’s Wallet (valued $860.00) amongst other items. The Auction was entertaining for all in attendance.

We have posted a number of photos of the golf tournament on our social media celebrating an excellent event. Thank you to Director Lynn Neale for these photos celebrating a memorable day for all and once again, to each and every person who was a part of the success of this day, a heartfelt thank you from the OPPA.