London, Ont. – Golf Canada in association with title sponsor Freedom 55 Financial and the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada announced today that the Thames Valley Children’s Centre (TVCC) will return as the official charitable beneficiary of the Freedom 55 Financial Championship, which will run September 12-18, 2016 at Highland Country Club in London, Ont.
As the 2015 beneficiary for the season-ending event on Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada, more than $44,000 was raised in support of Thames Valley through various fundraising activities during the Freedom 55 Financial Championship.
Thames Valley Children’s Centre (TVCC) works to support children and their families to achieve the highest possible quality of life. TVCC serves more than 8000 children, youth and their families every year through a wide range of services provided out of the main London Centre and 15 regional office locations across Southwestern Ontario. Clients range in age from birth to 19 with services supporting a range of special needs including physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders.
“We‘re pleased Golf Canada has once again selected Thames Valley Children’s Centre to receive the tournament’s charitable proceeds,” said Mike Cunneen, Senior Vice-President, Freedom 55 Financial. “Through the We’re All Stars event and the annual London Life Forest City Road Races, our company proudly supports Thames Valley in helping children and families from London and across Southwestern Ontario achieve a better quality of life. I welcome the Children’s Centre and its supporters to Highland and thank everyone ready to step up to make this event a success.”
“We are so appreciative to be selected as the charitable partner of the Freedom 55 Financial Championship for the second year,” commented Dr. John LaPorta, CEO, TVCC. Golf Canada organized a first class tournament in London last fall and we are looking forward to another great event! Thank you on behalf of the more than 8,000 clients our organization serves throughout Southwestern Ontario.
The 12th and final event on the Mackenzie Tour schedule will see the culmination of the race for Web.com Tour status at Highland Country Club. Only the top 60 players on the Order of Merit will be eligible, setting up an exciting race to the season’s final event.
The Mackenzie Tour helps players make the next step on the path to the PGA TOUR by rewarding season-long performance with access to the Web.com Tour, including fully exempt status to the Order of Merit winner for the following Web.com Tour season.
In addition to serving as title sponsor of the Freedom 55 Financial Championship and the Freedom 55 Financial Open in Vancouver, Freedom 55 Financial also sponsors the Freedom 55 Financial Canadian Player of the Week award presenting $2,500 to the top Canadian player at each Mackenzie Tour event as well as the season ending Freedom 55 Financial Canadian Player of the Year Award, which comes with a $25,000 prize.
Last year, American Jason Millard edged out 2014 champion Ryan Williams of Surrey, B.C. to claim the Freedom 55 Financial Championship at Highland Country Club and earn one of the five coveted spots advancing to the Web.com Tour.
Volunteer and ticket information is available at www.freedom55financialchampionship.com. As well, children aged 17 and under get in free all week long at the Freedom 55 Financial Championship – download your free junior tickets here.