DOING their part for men’s health since 2021, Total Tools Mildura is hoping to continue the rapid growth of its annual charity golf event.
After raising $6000 in the first year, the second event’s target was $10,000. But expectations were exceeded when $19,000 was raised, with a further $13,000 from external donations over the month of November.
Last year’s event was named in honour of Stephen Crawford, a first-year participant, who sadly lost his life to bowel cancer just two months after.
Marketing and events coordinator Brooke Baker said it an easy decision to rename it, given Crawford’s connection to the Mildura’s Total tools branch.
“After our first golf day in ‘Movember’ 2021 was such a success, we quickly made the decision to make it an annual event in memory of Stephen Crawford,” she said.
“Our store merchandiser – Trish, lost her husband in January 2022 to bowel cancer. Stephen had not long turned 50.
“Stephen played at our first golf event in 2021 and was the only player to walk the entire 18-hole course.
“Richard, our store owner, made multiple rounds on the day offering Stephen a cart, however, his words to Richard were that he wanted to walk the entire course whilst he still could. Little did we know we would lose him just a few months later.”
The day will feature a talk about men’s health from Torren Woolley, a senior manager for the Movember Foundation.
Total Tools chief executive officer Paul Dumbrell is also expected to attend the event.
After the 18 holes of golf, the most important part of the day, the charity auctions will be held.
Local businesses and national suppliers donate various items which are then bought by attendees.
“Our event is full of our local tradies, our national suppliers and many who also fly in from all around the country … all wanting to do their part to help out their fellow mates,” Baker said.
“Although our event may be small, we want to do our part and whatever we can to make a difference.”
Twenty seven teams have entered for the Stephen Crawford Memorial golf day which will be held on November 10 at the Riverside Golf Club.
