Fort McMurray, Alberta (September 17, 2021) — Over 70 golfers joined Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta (Girls Inc.) for the 27th Annual Golf Tournament Fore Girls Inc. presented by Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies on September 4. Golfers came together in a tie-dye spirit at Miskanaw Golf Club for a fun afternoon of golf, food, silent auction and prizes and helped us raise $24,153, just under the last tournament in 2019 which raised $30,622.

“Girls Inc. is one of the many groups in the RMWB that is a great organization to be able to team with. It is important to be able to give women of all ages the support they need and we feel your group does that on a high level. The Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies feels very proud to be not only a title sponsor, but also to be able to work alongside Girls Inc.” Chad Shkopich, Business Development Manager, Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies

After postponing the event in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, Girls Inc. decided to transition from an 18-hole tournament in June to a 9-hole fun tournament in September. The change in game format brought in many new faces, some who had never golfed before!

“Taking the positive risk and trying something new are at the core of what Girls Inc. is all about, and this tournament was a representation of such an action.

Together with the Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies, we are so proud that we have set this year’s tournament theme as ‘tie-dye’ to celebrate the power of inspiration and fun-spirited positivity. Like many other great community initiatives, we have had to navigate so much uncertainty and so many unknown factors in making this event happen. What are we learning from this ongoing adjustment, personally, systemically, individually and collectively? What is ‘normal’ anyway? One thing we know is that Girls Inc. is here for our girls, so that ALL girls can discover their strengths, use their voice and value their whole selves.

Since January 2021, we have been able to make changes in 1144 girls’ lives in our community. We will continue to act on catalyzing changes to bring about an equitable society where all girls can become agents of change.” Nanase Tonda, Executive Director, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta

The silent auction accompanying the golf tournament remained open until September 11 to offer the public a chance to bid on the generously donated items. Due to a technical error, the auction did close a day earlier than planned, However it still allowed us to raise thousands of dollars towards our programming.

All proceeds raised during the tournament will be reinvested to help Girls Inc. continue to offer girl-specific and barrier-free programming for girls ages 6-18 in the Wood Buffalo region.

Thank you everyone who signed on to be a sponsor, donated prizes and silent auction items, and came out to support Girls Inc. through a round of fun-golf. This event would not have been possible without each of them. Their support will impact the next generation of leaders by allowing the organization to equip girls with the knowledge and skills needed to break free from gender stereotypes, create social change and be proud of who they are.