David Hearn’s grandmother and great-grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s.Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press
The Gift: Raising $300,000 and climbing
The Cause: Alzheimer Society of Canada
Golfer David Hearn has seen too many members of his family, and others, affected by Alzheimer's disease and so several years ago he began using his skills on the golf course to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
"I've seen the challenges families face and so [the society] was a pretty natural fit," said Mr. Hearn, whose grandmother and great-grandmother suffered from the illness.
Four years ago, Mr. Hearn started a charity golf tournament to raise money for the society's chapter in the Hamilton area. The event has gone from raising about $25,000 in the first year to more than $100,000 this year, bringing the total amount donated to $300,000. Now, Mr. Hearn, who is from Brampton, Ont., has set up a private foundation to support the society's work nationwide in addition to continuing raising money through the golf tournament.
"At this point in my career, I just felt I should do something like this," said Mr. Hearn. "I have been very honoured to host the golf tournament."
pwaldie@globeandmail.com
Paul Waldie