The PGA of Canada announced the formation of the PGA of Canada Foundation Benevolent Fund, which will temporarily assist past and present PGA of Canada members and apprentice professionals who find themselves in financial hardship.
A pre-COVID-19 initiative that will extend far beyond the pandemic, the Fund will provide basics of life such as clothing, food and shelter, as well as financial assistance for health care services attributable to a mental or physical health condition, to those in need.
“The PGA of Canada is like a family and when a member of your family is suffering you do everything you can to help,” said Kevin Thistle, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Canada. “Ours is a family of thousands so it’s imperative we have an initiative like the Foundation Benevolent Fund in place to assist friends who have fallen on the hardest of times.”
A portion of 2019 member dues from all Class A members and apprentices went towards the PGA of Canada Foundation Benevolent Fund, resulting in more than $200,000.
“The PGA of Canada has come to the aid of families in their times of need time and time again throughout its history. Now, we are so pleased that an assistance program has been formalized in the form of the Benevolent Fund to help members,” said Warren Crosbie, PGA of Canada Past President and Chair of the PGA of Canada Foundation Benevolent Fund.
Eligibility for the Fund extends to the following: Current PGA of Canada members; apprentice professionals with the Association; members of the Association or apprentice professionals with the Association within the last 12 years who have resigned or been suspended; and spouses or dependents of current members or of apprentice professionals with the Association. Members or apprentice professionals with the Association who have been removed from membership for disciplinary measures are not eligible to make application. Spouses and/or dependents of these individuals are also ineligible.
