The Rotary Club of Collingwood is grateful to Duntroon Highlands for letting them do what not a lot of golf courses would – invite people to bring their dogs for a round on the links.
It’s all for a good cause.
Rotarians were looking for something unique when planning a fundraiser for their club.
Club president Jan Ferrigan said the inspiration for the charity golf tournament came from a member who thought it would be fun to bring her dog out on the golf course, and the idea evolved from there.
“Our goal was to create an event that people would remember,” said Karen Burland, Rotary Club of Collingwood fundraising chair and organizer of the event dubbed Mutts & Putts. “Golfers love spending time outdoors, and dog owners are always looking for ways to include their pets. We thought, why not bring those two worlds together while raising money for organizations that make our community stronger?”
It felt natural to include Georgian Triangle Humane Society as a beneficiary of the tournament.
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society supports pets and people across South Georgian Bay through sheltering and adoption, accessible veterinary care, education, and community programs. From helping pets find new homes to supporting families in caring for the pets they love, the GTHS works to strengthen the bond between pets and people throughout the region.
“Funds raised through this tournament will help ensure pets and the people who love them can access care and support when they need it most,” said Melanie MacDonald, Development Manager at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. “We’re so grateful to the Rotary Club for bringing the community together in support of this work.”
The Rotary Club of Collingwood has been serving the community for decades, supporting local initiatives, youth programs, environmental projects and humanitarian efforts both locally and around the world.
In addition to nine holes of golf, participants can enjoy contests, prizes, dog-friendly activities, sponsor experiences and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow golfers and animal lovers. Golfers are welcome to participate with or without a dog, making the event accessible to everyone.
Organizers are getting creative with dog themed activities and sponsors, incorporating prizes for closest-to-the- hydrant, best trick and Barking Brew tastings (the sponsor will be providing product samples at a “watering hole” on the course.)
Organizers are also seeking local and regional businesses to sponsor the inaugural tournament.
“People love supporting events that are different,” said Vincent Laffitte, Rotary Club member and tournament organizer. “Mutts & Putts offers businesses the opportunity to be associated with something positive, memorable and community-focused. Sponsors won’t just have their logo on a sign—they’ll be helping launch what we hope becomes an annual tradition.”
Sponsors will receive exposure through event marketing, local media coverage, social media campaigns and on-course recognition while demonstrating their support for animal welfare, community service and charitable giving.
Registration is now open for the Oct. 16 event. Early bird pricing of $125 per golfer is offered until Aug. 31 ($145 afterwards). visit www.muttsandputts. ca.
Trina Berlo photo: Rotarians Mary Gibson, from left, with husband Peter and dog Nelly, Vincent Laffitte, and club president Jan Ferrigan with Nala.
