in Community, Events, Lifestyle

NHL stars celebrate ninth annual Fishing For Kids Tournament

Fishing For Kids

Celebrating its ninth year as one of British Columbia’s most unique and successful charity events, Fishing for Kids returns to The West Coast Fishing Club from August 24th to 27th, 2014. Once again it will be benefitting the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and hoping to make a million dollars over the weekend to support children and their families living with autism in BC.

Since the inaugural Fishing for Kids event in 2006, the tournament has raised over $5 million for beneficiaries – last year alone the tournament raised a remarkable $1.1 million during the weekend. This incredible milestone was achieved by a group of just 44 anglers and this year the group of determined fishermen includes Vancouver Canuck Dan Hamhuis, the team’s new Coach Willie Desjardins, the Canucks’ new GM Jim Benning and Assistant GM & VP of Hockey Operations, Laurence Gilman. NHL defenceman and two time Stanley Cup champion Willie Mitchell will be returning to his native BC to enjoy the tournament that he helped to found and Vancouver Canucks owners Paolo & Francesco Aquilini will also be taking part.

Funds raised will go to the Canucks Autism Network, which was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini. The charity supports over 1000 families in 55 communities throughout BC by enhancing the quality of life for children and young people living with autism. “We’re so pleased that the tournament continues to go from strength to strength each year,” says Paolo Aquilini. “The funds raised will help the inspirational children and young adults in our province that are struggling with the daily challenges of autism.”

“We are thrilled to be approaching our ninth year of the competition,” says Brian Grange, Vice President of West Coast Fishing Club. “We couldn’t host this event without the fantastic support of the Vancouver Canucks organization and the unwavering support of global financial specialist Macquarie, who has returned as our presenting sponsor for a fourth year running.”

Participants, sponsors and special guests will be treated to an intimate star-studded send off at Reflections at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on August 23rd with a private concert by Canadian singer Tom Cochrane. Tournament participants will stay at The Clubhouse, one of The West Coast Fishing Club’s unique fishing lodges, located in the dramatically beautiful Haida Gwaii.

The Fishing for Kids Tournament, fast becoming the premier fishing tournament in the Pacific Northwest, is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors. This year they include: Macquarie, The West Coast Fishing Club, Vancouver Canucks, Ledcor Group of Companies, Helijet, Aria Resort & Casino, The Province and Vancouver Sun, Bridgemans Services and Delta Group. To see more of our generous sponsors, please visit www.fishingforkidstournament.com.

For more information on the West Coast Fishing Club’s Fishing for Kids tournament, call toll-free on 1-888-432-6666 or visit www.fishingforkidstournament.com.