The top fundraiser Jaron Blais, right, is shown with his mother Jennifer. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Youth helping youth

Kids help raise $28,000 in Brian Maunula Memorial Junior Golf Tournament

Sep 23, 2019 | 11:38 AM

With temperatures hovering at 30 Celsius, the green was looking a whole lot greener for the Brian Maunula Memorial Junior Golf Tournament on Sunday, since there was no snow for golfers to contend with compared to last year.

A total of 60 youngsters participated in the event at the Rustic Nine Golf Course and helped raise about $28,000. The event is open to youth aged four to 14.

The tourney honours the memory of Brian Maunula of North Battleford, a strong community supporter who died in 2016 at the age of 57.

Amanda Maunula, Brian’s daughter, and Jaime Maunula helped organize the event.

Jaime, Brian’s daughter-in-law, said the entire day turned out perfectly.

“The weather cooperated. All of our golfers showed up, and everybody was eager and happy to golf,” she said. “Everything went very smoothly, and all the fundraising came in. We’re very happy with everything.”

The official final tally for this year’s event will be confirmed in about a week.

Last year the event raised $28,135. In total over the past four years the tourney raised more than $100,000 to benefit children.

Youth Jaron Blais from Turtleford was the top fundraiser this year after collecting $1,500 for the cause.

He said he was thrilled he was able to raise as much as he did.

His mother Jennifer said the Turtleford and Mervin communities “played a huge part” in donating to the effort because they are very supportive.

Shae Maunula, left, with his mother Jaime, right, helps hand out the awards following the tourney. (Angela Brown/battlefords NOW Staff)

Shae Maunula, Brian Maunula’s grandson, first had the idea for the annual fundraiser.

“I think it’s good for kids to do it. I’m very happy for that because then we’re raising money for other kids,” the nine-year-old said. “This is a very good way to honour my grandpa, Brian.”

Matthew Boskill, Brian Maunula’s grandson, was the youngest golfer at age three. The youngster managed to snag a Battlefords North Stars autographed jersey in the raffle draw.

Matthew Boskill, 3, won a Battlefords North Stars autographed jersey in the raffle draw. (Angela Brown/battlefords NOW Staff)

Some of the top scoring youth included Julia McCarthy, 13, who had the best score in her category.

Youth Julia McCarthy had the best score in the female, ages 12 to 14 category. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff).

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

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