Founding partner The West Coast Fishing Club announced yesterday that the 2014 Fishing for Kids tournament has raised $800,000 for Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
Tournament winner, Bruce Langereis, President of Delta Land Development Ltd. caught a winning 42.4 lb. Chinook in the three-day event.
The 41 participants returned to YVR South Terminal yesterday from The West Coast Fishing Club, located in BC’s northern-most tip, Haida Gwaii, where Bruce Langereis received the prized fishing trophy. Brian Legge, co-owner of The West Coast Fishing Club presented the $800,000 dollar cheque to Canucks Autism Network, received by Vancouver Canucks owner and CAN co-founder Paolo Aquilini and CAN CEO Katy Harandi.
“We’re thrilled to be presenting an $800,000 cheque to the Canucks Autism Network,” said Brian Legge, Co-Owner of The West Coast Fishing Club. “We couldn’t host this event without the unwavering support of global financial specialist Macquarie, who has returned as our presenting sponsor for the fourth year, and without the incredible support of the Vancouver Canucks organization.”
The annual fishing tournament is held at The Clubhouse against the breathtaking backdrop of Haida Gwaii. The Fishing for Kids Tournament has now generated over $5.8 million for BC children’s charities since its inaugural tournament in 2005. High profile attendees this year include: Vancouver Canucks owner Paolo Aquilini, Vancouver Canucks Dan Hamhuis and Ryan Stanton, the team’s new Coach Willie Desjardins, Assistant Coach Glen Gulutzan, new GM Jim Benning and Assistant GM & VP of Hockey Operations, Laurence Gilman and NHL defenceman and two time Stanley Cup champion Willie Mitchell; joined by a host of the province’s business and community leaders.
Other important VIP attendees included Ledcor Champion Child Christopher Ure and his father Dave Ure. Fifteen-year-old Chris was diagnosed with autism at a young age and although his language is limited he enjoys taking part in CAN’s variety of sports and social programmes. Chris has an exceptional memory and loves to be by the water so the opportunity to experience the tournament has meant a lot to Chris and his family.
The Fishing for Kids Tournament has come to be recognized as the premier fishing tournament in the Pacific Northwest and is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors, including Macquarie, The West Coast Fishing Club, Vancouver Canucks, Ledcor Group of Companies, Delta Group, Helijet, Aria Resort & Casino, The Province and Vancouver Sun, Delta Bridgemans Services and Ruskin Construction. Leading BC companies from a range of industries share a common goal to raise much-needed funds for families and children living with autism in BC.
For more information about Fishing for Kids Fundraising Tournament, please visit www.fishingforkidstournament.com. Or, contact The West Coast Fishing Club at toll-free 1-888-432-6666 or www.westcoastfishingclub.com.
For more information on Canucks Autism Network, visit www.canucksautism.ca.
About West Coast Fishing Club
The West Coast Fishing Club was established over 25 years ago, with the premise of offering anglers first class Salmon fishing adventures in the Pacific North West. With three lodges situated on the most northern tip of Haida Gwaii, all offering first class accommodations and service. Each one of the lodges offers a slightly different adventure, within convenient proximity to the world’s best ocean fishing experience. The West Coast Fishing Club prides itself on dedication to the local community and the urgent need to maintain wilderness resources for future generations. For more information call toll-free 1-888-432-6666 or visit www.westcoastfishingclub.com
About Canucks Autism Network
The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization that provides year-round, innovative, high quality sports, recreational, and social programs for individuals and families living with autism, while building awareness and capacity through community networks across British Columbia. For more information, please visit www.canucksautism.ca
