Fundraiser puts Guatemalans’ health on frontburner

KAMLOOPS – Developing World Connections and Home Hardware invite all fairway fans to tee up for the eight annual charity golf tournament on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Sun Rivers Golf Resort. It’s a chance to go global with your golf game and do good for Guatemala.

This event is one of our biggest fundraisers. This year, proceeds go to Light Up Guatemala, an initiative that puts fuel-efficient eco-stoves in the homes of poor families that rely on burning wood (in their houses) for cooking fires. Those stoves have a bigger impact than some people might think.

Cooking fire smoke causes respiratory illnesses that kill at least two million people worldwide every year. Feeding those fires contributes to deforestation. The indoor eco-stoves lower the amount of fuel needed by almost 70 per cent, thereby lowering a family’s wood supply expenses and reducing the need to cut down trees. The eco-stoves also keep the homes smoke free.

The non-profit DWC has made Light Up Guatemala this year’s project of choice for the annual golf tournament. The group is sending a team to install 45 eco-stoves in Calderas, Guatemala, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6. The more eco-stoves that can be bought, the more families that can breathe easier.

The golf tournament includes its usual fun, food and fantastic people. Individuals and teams are welcome to sign up. The cost is $175 per person. For that, you get 18 holes of golf with a cart rental, prizes, an awards banquet and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in someone’s life. Sign up soon, spaces are limited. There is also time to become a sponsor.

To join us on the greens or to talk sponsorship, contact tournament co-ordinator Shellie Franklin at 250-319-2236 or email golf@developingworldconnections.org.