The first-ever Working the Iron charity golf tournament in support of end-of-life care at home is being hailed as a hole-in-one.
The tournament in honour of Henry Heyink, who passed away on August 27, 2022 was hosted at the Links of Kent Gold Club in Chatham on Thursday.
A number of members from Henry Heyink Construction and the community attended, and thanks in part to their support, Heyink's daughters Karen, Rebecka, Sarah, and Amy presented a cheque for $65,000 to VON Home and Community Care.
The Hospice at Home program gives family members the option of spending the end-stage of their life in their own home, with family and in familiar surroundings.
A registered nurse will oversee the process and guide the work of a specially trained personal support worker, also known as a healthcare technician.
"He (Heyink) always wanted to be able to pass away at home and that was very important to him," said Karen Koomans. "The VON made it possible for him to stay there. It was the best option for him and our family."
Heyink was an avid golfer.
Koomans said when she and her three other sisters were brainstorming ideas on how they could honour their late father, a golf tournament made the most sense.
"We are overwhelmed over the idea of how much money we were able to raise through this chair golf tournament," said Koomans. "That number was never on our radar. It's comforting to know that more families will be taken care of just like our father was."
The Working the Iron charity golf tournament is an annual event.
Koomans said more information about next's year fundraiser will be released at a later date.