PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS kicks off with support from the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation

Thursday, Jun 1, 2023

Throughout the province, golf professionals are participating in the 16th annual PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS presented by Pacific Blue Cross.

Golfing from sunrise to sunset, BC professionals golf as many holes as possible to raise funds and awareness for people living with ALS. Over 44 courses across BC are taking part this year with Golfathon events scheduled until June 30.

Proceeds from the Golfathon help support the ALS Society of BC’s Patient Service Programs, which provide crucial support services to ALS patients and their families, friends and caregivers.

Supporting British Columbians living with ALS

The 2023 Golfathon is aiming to build off momentum gained from its successful 16-year history, which has seen over $2.5 million raised for ALS Society — and has supported more than 6,900 people living with ALS in the province.

“The ALS Society of BC and the people we serve, are extremely grateful for the support received from the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation for the past 4 years,” said Wendy Toyer, Executive Director, ALS Society of BC. Your support has increased awareness about the event and ALS.  Funds raised are used to support patient service programs provided the ALS Society to enhance the quality of life for those living with and affected by ALS.”

Funds raised from the 2022 Golfathon supported the ALS Society of BC’s Equipment Loan Program. This program is designed to enhance the quality of life for those living with ALS as well as alleviate the financial burden of the disease. ALS can affect anyone, at any time, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is just two to five years, and support equipment alone costs an average of $140,000 per patient, while nursing and/or home care costs are up to 10 times that amount.

The Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation, which provides funding to not-for-profit organizations who aim to improve the health and wellbeing for British Columbians, committed $100,000 over five years to support the PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS.

Learn more about the PGA of BC Golfathon and support the golf professionals in your community who are raising money for this cause.