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Bringing Out the Best in People “The Caddie Classic brings out the best in everyone,” says Garth Thomas, founder of the annual golf tournament. “The players are so attentive to the kids who are caddying and the kids themselves are so keen to meet people they might otherwise never meet – the spirit of generosity and good will is very impressive.  Garth, assisted by his colleague Doug Thomson, former Vice President at K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., started the Caddie Classic in 1995, after attending an event they thought could be so much more than it was. “We were convinced that Boys & Girls Clubs was the right cause. So we talked about how we would put on a golf tournament, the things we liked about some charity tournaments and the things we didn’t like,” says Garth. “And then we approached the Executive Director of the time with our idea, and he agreed to let us give it a try.” Garth and Doug did the usual things like inviting colleagues and business associates to both sponsor and play, and organizing prizes. “It didn’t take long,” says Garth. “The cause is so strong and Edmontonians are pretty generous.” K-Bro was the first sponsor to come on board and has supported the tournament ever since. “Our main goal was to ensure a relationship between the people participating as golfers and sponsors and the beneficiaries of the funds raised, the members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton,” Garth continues. So they matched up each golfer with one of the kids acting as a caddy and hoped for the best. “I don’t know that there is a better charity event in Edmonton as far as linking the supporters to the cause.” Other key elements were to play on a really nice course, play your own ball and keep the pace of the game up. “The Caddie Classic has always been special to me personally and to K-Bro,” says Doug. “It’s real golf with a real purpose. Having the kids out there as caddies is a joy year after year. It's an eye opener for me and it's excellent for them I believe.” Garth remembers one particular story. One of his colleagues asked his caddy why he was so tired. The answer: he hadn’t slept all night because his dad was drinking and he knew from experience it was too dangerous to go home. “These are stories that one doesn’t easily erase from ones mind.”  Christopher Burrows, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., says they are committed to this event even before the snow leaves the ground in the spring each year. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton provides tremendous value to our community. That’s why we got involved and that’s why we stay involved.” K-Bro Linen Systems Inc. is the largest linen processor in Canada with seven facilities in six cities. Established in 1954 and headquartered in Edmonton, the company employs over 1,400 people and primarily serves the health care and hospitality industries. It went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2005. The 2010 Caddie Classic took place place on August 18, 2010 and, thanks to the generosity of all those who participated, raised over $44, 500.00 in support of children and youth in Edmonton. |
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