RCMP Cpl. Darin Underhill is more than happy with the great support received from surrounding communities for the return of the Barriere Emergency Services (BES) Golf Tournament (previously called the Barriere 911 Emergency Services Golf Tournament) held at Chinook Cove Golf and RV on August 20. Over the past 10 years, this tournament has provided over $42,000 in donations and bursaries to fund numerous youth groups and organizations from Clearwater south to Kamloops.
“We finished up our tourney with great support from the communities,” reported Underhill, “This year we are now able to provide approximately $4,500 to youth programs and initiatives in the North Thompson Valley, and we’ll also be able to provide $1,000 in two $500 bursaries at Barriere Secondary School.”
He added that the two successful Barriere Secondary grads will be receiving their bursaries this month, and that funds have already been set aside for the 2023 bursaries.
“It has been a challenging number of years for the entire province,” said Underhill, “We put our tournament on pause in 2019 to give everyone a year off, then ran right into COVID-19. This was our first tournament in four years.”
He noted the group had been experiencing increasing interest to see the golf tournament return, “something that greatly encouraged us to try to keep our dreams alive for helping youth”.
“We are so impressed by how many of our sponsors stepped up to support so many in need over the last few years, and yet were still able to support us as well,” said Underhill, “We thank all of those individuals, businesses and non-profit groups that gave so much during the fires, floods and through COVID-19. We also want to recognize all the first responders that worked alongside each other to keep our citizens, their property and belongings, as safe as possible in such dynamic situations and risk to themselves.”
He added the BES funding program is currently accepting applications to support youth programs, closing date for applications is at 4 pm, Oct. 14.
“Our mission is to provide funds to enhance programs in place, or to support new programs to provide all area youth with diverse opportunities that allow all to participate,” said Underhill, “Our goal is for all youth to have fun, healthy, safe and inclusive choices.”
Applications for funding can be dropped off at the Barriere RCMP Detachment, or Thompson Valley Awards in Louis Creek, or can be emailed to: [email protected], or mailed to Post Office Box 558, Barriere, BC, V0E 1E0. Applicants can also hand deliver their applications in Barriere to; Theresa Young (250-318-9286), Deb Stamer (250-318-2590) or Darin Underhill (250-299-1130).
The long list of generous sponsors, and rules and regulations for the annual golf tournament can be found at: www.besgolf.com.
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