Turning golfers into friends: how a game of golf connected RBC and Calgary Counselling Centre

Participating in a ‘listening ears’ activity at last year’s golf tournament encouraged Wafa Kadri (right) to recommend CCC get funding through RBC Children’s Mental Health Projects grant program. Pictured with Linna Morgan, Director, Fund Development, CCC.

A weekday on the golf course is a treat for many. A day on the greens in support of a local non-profit organization is an even better reason to leave the desk behind. The ultimate win-win situation, however, is a week day on the golf course, in support of an organization dedicated to improving lives, and learning through fun activities how you can, in turn, directly benefit the lives of those who need it most.

Last year’s Charity Golf Classic raised awareness of the Calgary Counselling Centre’s Responsible Choices for Children and Parent’s (RCC) group therapy program. Wafa Kadri of RBC Community Investment was among the player guests at the 2008 tournament. Through the activities on the course, Kadri learned not only what the RCC program does for children and their families, she also learned about the process the program participants go through.

“We made a decision to make ours a fun tournament and include activities to inform players about the programs at CCC and how they benefit those who need it most”, says Dale Green, Co-Chair of the golf tournament. “We are thrilled how through play at some of the holes, we’re able to connect people to the program they are supporting. It educates every golfer who participates and turns them from player to a friend of CCC.”

Recognizing that the RCC program aims to stop aggressive behaviour in children thus preventing violence in the long term, Kadri felt the program was a good fit with RBC’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Canadian children through the RBC Children’s Mental Health Project grant program.

The RCC program works with the entire family, not only the child exhibiting aggressive behaviour. We believe that counselling both the child and parent is more effective. This program works with both aspects of the Children’s Mental Health Project; through early intervention and through public education by educating parents to identify the signs of children’s mental health and learn how to take action leading to prevention.

“RBC is pioneering giving in children’s mental health and we want to continue to work with organizations to raise awareness around the cause,” says Kadri. Last year, RBC made a $10,000 donation to the RCC program - a direct result of her decision to play a round of golf; and then share the information learned about the Responsible Choices for Children and Parents program with her RBC colleagues.

Having this direct contribution to our program makes a world of difference. In 2008, the program was successful in reaching its target population of families with children with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. A positive finding was the lack of attrition in the classes. Families who came to the group with more severe problems at the beginning were more likely to complete the program than those who were at lower risk.

An additional extension of RBC’s participation post golf tournament has led to RBC employee, Sarah Wight volunteering at this year’s River Spirit Golf Club Charity Golf Classic benefitting Calgary Counselling Centre.

This year the golf tournament will profile and support our Children of Divorce program, through activities at some of the holes. Just a simple round of golf can benefit the life of child and ultimately the community as a whole. Join us June 4th at the River Spirit Golf Club.

Back to top