After 16 years of hitting the links to help raise money for a school anti-drug program, a Squamish fundraising group is taking a hiatus.
It was a difficult decision, said David Hildreth, Squamish Breakfast Club Society president. Traditionally, the group of prominent businessmen and women organize a golf tournament to help pay for the local Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. But this year, after careful consideration, the summer event was axed.
We couldn't get 18 teams, Hildreth said.
Given the current local economy, a lack of confirmed teams and corporate sponsors withdrawing from the silent auction, the society was left with little choice, he said.
But the club plans to bring the golf tournament back in June 2014.
We are definitely going to do it next year, Hildreth said.
The club will continue its monthly meetings, from which money goes toward the D.A.R.E. program. Currently, all Grade 5 Squamish students go through D.A.R.E.
The anti-drug education program's graduation occurs at local schools in May. This year, approximately 250 students completed the initiative, with the club contributing $2,500 toward the special event, Hildreth said.
Besides D.A.R.E., the organization donates annually to the Community Christmas Care, a project that provides gifts to underprivileged teens in Squamish. Last winter, the society pitched $3,000 toward the seasonal charity. The club also raises money for groups, such as Squamish Helping Hands Society. As well, the club hands out a $1,500 David Hildreth Prevention Scholarship to graduating student each year.
The next meeting is April 23 at the RCMP building at 7:30 a.m. Membership costs $150, and all are welcome. For more information visit www.squamishbreakfastclub.com, call (604) 896-1551 or email [email protected].
