Close to 90 female golfers hit the links at Regina’s Tor Hill Golf Course on June 7 to help raise funds for Hospitals of Regina Foundation. The 2018 Champagne Classic, organized by the Regina Wascana chapter of the Canadian Progress Club, raised approximately $40,000 for the Foundation to invest in Regina’s Pediatric Services.

Every year, Regina’s hospitals see more than 2,000 in-patient pediatric cases, from viral infections and broken bones to acute sickness and chronic diseases. Another 5,000 children come through out-patient clinics, and Wascana Rehabilitation Centre sees more than18,000 pediatric visits each year.

“The success of the Champagne Classic is a total team effort,” said Debra Montanini, sponsorship chair. “From our members who volunteer their time and effort, to the golfers who raise the funds, to the sponsors who help cover our costs and provide some amazing incentive prizes, everyone pulls together to make this event a huge success.”

The Champagne Classic was first held in 1990 by the Regina Assiniboine chapter of the Progress Club. It was taken over by the Wascana chapter in 2015, when the Assiniboine chapter was retired. The Progress Club has raised more than $600,000 for the Foundation through this event, which is billed as the only all women’s charity golf tournament in southern Saskatchewan.

“Our members love knowing that their efforts are improving the quality of local care for children and their families,” Debra explained. “We usually do the cheque presentation to the Foundation right at the General Hospital pediatric unit, where our members can see first-hand the difference they are making in the lives of children in our community.”

The Canadian Progress Club is a national service organization, with members across the country raising funds and volunteering their time for important causes in their community. In Regina, there are two local chapters: Regina Wascana (women) and Regina Centre (men).

“We are so fortunate to have such committed and caring supporters as the members of Regina’s Progress Clubs,” said Lisa Green, vice president, development, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “We are thankful to the organizers of the Champagne Classic and all the participants. We are proud to invest the funds they raise right back into quality local health care for children across southern Saskatchewan.”