Kia Canada Inc. (KCI) and PGA TOUR golfer and Kia ambassador David Hearn announced today the two winners of the 2017 The David Hearn Foundation Kia Grant, as Everett Craven (13 years old) from Woodstock, ON and Johnathon Coffey (8 years old) from Shallow Lake, ON.
The Grant was launched earlier this year as a joint initiative between KCI and Hearn to encourage and enable junior golfers across Canada to give back to their communities, by recognizing their local Alzheimer Society; each recipient will be awarded with $4,500 to direct to their local chapter to assist with the implementation of programs and services.
Craven, a junior golfer at Woodstock Meadows Golf Centre and Coffey, of Legacy Ridge Golf Club, will both be brought into The David Hearn Foundation Charity Classic at Brantford Golf & Country Club on Monday, July 31, 2017 to meet with Hearn and KCI executives to be formally recognized during the event’s evening reception.
While the selection was a tough decision for the Foundation committee, both Grant recipients showed a strong commitment to community, involvement in junior golf, and well-roundedness as well as an understanding of and commitment to the Alzheimer Society.
“Golf is more than a sport,” said Hearn. “It is a platform to develop important life skills and friendships, and provides an opportunity give back to the community. I am excited to meet Everett and Johnathon later this month, two young golfers, who i believe have the ability to drive change in their communities and with others.”
Hearn, a spokesperson for the Alzheimer Society of Canada, is an advocate against the disease, stemming from his own personal connections to Alzheimer’s through his grandmother and great-grandmother. After being involved with his local chapter since 2011 – the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton, and Halton, Hearn launched his Foundation in 2015. The mission of the Foundation is to support the Alzheimer Society of Canada at a national level, while also still raising funds for his local chapter to implement programs and services for families and individuals suffering from the disease in his hometown.
“A big congratulations to Everett and Johnathon from the entire Kia family,” said Ted Lancaster, VP & COO, Kia Canada Inc. “These two young men have demonstrated that sports can provide the next generation with a strong sense of community – as well as a fun activity to enjoy with friends and family. We’re proud to partner with David in his support of local charities and communities as well as the future of Canadian golf.”
