Vancouv
er – The West Coast Fishing Club’s ninth annual Fishing for Kids Tournament has added a staggering $800 000 to the 5 million dollars previously raised for the Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
With almost 200 VIPS and fishing enthusiasts vying for the top spot and world- renowned singer Tom Cochrane performing, the fundraiser managed to easily surpass the previous year’s million dollar mark. The event, which has generated several millions of dollars in total since it began in 2005, has had the support of numerous participants and sponsors since its inception.
High profile attendees included Vancouver Canucks President Paolo Aquilini, Ledcor’s president of Special Operations, Scott Lyons and various current and former professional hockey players in addition to several community leaders.
However not only does the tournament serve to support a worthy cause, the fundraiser also allows those involved to enjoy a day that is filled with fun, companionship and a healthy dose of competition.
The current record was set when Vancouver Canuck Willie Mitchell caught a 47.3 lb salmon in 2010. However, Delta Group president Bruce Langereis was this year’s winner and came within a hair of beating it. The co-host of the tournament ultimately won the grand prize of $200,000 after catching a 42 lb Chinook – the winnings were donated to the charity shortly thereafter.
The original story by Malcolm Parry in the Vancouver Sun can be read here