Help for Hope tournament raises funds for proposed treatment centre

The 1st Annual Help for Hope Golf Tournament was held at Sauble Golf Club on September 8th (2022) with proceeds to go toward the development of an addictions treatment centre.

More than 100 golfers came out in support of the tournament that was organized by Sonja Roote and Cheree Urscheler of Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON).

According to Roote, since 2018, there have been 33 deaths at SON due to addictions that include drug and alcohol use.

“We have had wonderful support for this first tournament from companies such as Bruce Power, OCNI, Framatome and others and also from Nawash First Nation who sent four teams,” said Roote. “Unfortunately, we have had very little support from Saugeen First Nation Band Council.”

It has been proposed that the grass-roots treatment centre be located on an island near Manitoulin Island and would include de-tox programming, family and spiritual counselling and after-treatment care.

“As it is now,” added Roote,”there is a seven-month wait to get into a treatment facility.  When someone asks for help, it’s a small window and the help has to be immediate not seven months down the road when anything could happen.”

The first tournament included many donated prizes and silent auction items.  “We were simply blown away by the support that we got from businesses in Southampton and Port Elgin for donations,” said Urscheler.  “We are very moved by the support and I think it’s because people realize that drug use can affect everyone, not just the user but entire families.”

Donations are being accepted for the charity ‘Help for Hope’ at Saugeen First Nation Administration Building and a trust fund has been established.