Putt for a Purpose raises $160K for MEDA in record-breaking year

Against a beautiful September backdrop, peopleCare Communities welcomed 144 golfers, partners, sponsors, special guests and friends, to Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo for our annual Putt for a Purpose Golf Tournament in support of MEDA.

Now in its fifth year, the tournament has become one of peopleCare’s signature fundraising events and a great example of our Impacting Beyond Ourselves priority in action.

And this year was our biggest yet. Together we raised $160,000 for MEDA, up 42% from last year, meaning the tournament alone exceeded peopleCare’s annual fundraising commitment to the organization.

“Putt for a Purpose has grown into something really special,” said Brent Gingerich, Chairman and CEO of peopleCare. “It brings together so many people and organizations we’re fortunate to work with every day, for a purpose that reaches far beyond peopleCare. Raising $160,000 in one day is incredible, and it speaks volumes about the generosity of our partners.”

Supporting MEDA is a longstanding commitment for Brent and the Gingerich family. The family is active in MEDA’s Waterloo Network Hub, peopleCare sponsors the local Hub and MEDA’s national convention, and our LTC homes hold their own local MEDA fundraisers each year. This year, Brent and wife Heather were joined on the course by daughter Robyn, while parents Mary and O’Derald, joined the day as special guests.

MEDA Chief Financial Officer Wendy Clayson was also there to share more about MEDA’s work and the impact of peopleCare’s ongoing support.

And the impact is huge. Thanks to support from organizations such as Global Affairs Canada and the Mastercard Foundation, funds raised for MEDA can have a 20X multiplier. That means this year’s tournament proceeds have the potential to generate approximately $3.2 million in impact around the world.

There was lots of fun along the way too. A colourful mimosa bar sponsored by StaffStat kicked things off at breakfast before golfers headed out for a 9-hole best ball tournament, complete with friendly competition and on-course contests. Back at the clubhouse, the excitement continued with raffles, a 50/50 and a new wine draw that was a huge hit.

Our partners went all out on the raffle table too, donating an incredible 19 prizes, from Yeti coolers to 50-inch TVs to Raptors tickets. Many had already stepped up as sponsors. And in one final act of generosity, our 50/50 winner donated their winnings right back to MEDA.

A record 35 signature sponsors supported us this year, up from 27 in 2025, led by Diamond Pro sponsors VanDel Construction and WalterFedy. Michael Harris and Kyle Roffey joined us for the closing celebration, sharing a few words and helping draw the 50/50 and wine draw winners.

“Impacting Beyond Ourselves and being a force for good are a big part of who we are at peopleCare, and this day is such a great example of that in action,” said Megan Allen-Lamb, President at peopleCare. “A big, warm thank you to our partners who show up every year, find new ways to contribute and really get behind our efforts to make a difference.”

One last thank you from peopleCare to everyone who golfed, sponsored, donated, volunteered and joined in the fun. $160,000 raised in one day is an incredible result. Even better is what that generosity can make possible for people and communities around the world.

 

peopleCare is grateful to our 2026 Signature Sponsors:

Diamond Pro – VanDel Construction and WalterFedy
Platinum Ace – Sysco CMLS ProResp Inc. SGP Purchasing Network BDO
Gold Eagle –  Arvan Rehab Group Inc. D. Grant Construction Limited
Silver Birdie – Specialty Furniture Inc. Gardiner Roberts LLP DER Solutions BFS Benefits & Retirement
Bronze Par – Arjo
Tee-riffic – Co-Elevate and TCS Canada
Lunch – Josslin and Aviva
Cocktail Party – ABA Architects
Breakfast – StaffStat

Plus our contest sponsors:

Putting Contest – Seasons Care
Most Honest Team – SRM Architects & Urban Designers
Longest Drive (Women) – S&A Strategies
Longest Drive (Men) – Activo
Closest to the Pin (Women) – peopleCare
Closest to the Pin (Men) – Alder Concrete
Closest to the Keg – Coinamatic Commercial Laundry
Lowest Scoring Team – peopleCare

And our hole sponsors:
CareRX, Delta Elevator GSP Group JDX Advance Kindera Living Nutra Services  Turner & Townsend MiAlert and Quadbridge