Inspired by Patrick Rhéaume, who died earlier this year of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
United on the Greens will bring golfers together in support of ALS Québec
MONTRÉAL, July 18, 2024 —A decade after the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a new fundraising initiative for the ALS cause is rallying Québec’s golf community to make a difference. Organized by ALS Québec, United on the Greens to End ALS is taking place in collaboration with Golf Québec, PGA of Québec, l’Association des Clubs de Golf du Québec (ACGQ) and The National Golf Club Owners Association (NGCOA), Quebec Chapter. The fundraiser will see hundreds of golf enthusiasts teeing off at clubs across the province on September 10, with participants securing their tee-off times by placing the winning bids in an online charitable auction taking place between July 18 and August 1 in support of ALS Québec.
United on the Greens to End ALS was inspired by Patrick Rhéaume, a beloved member of Québec’s golf community. A passionate advocate for the sport who helped countless people to discover the joy of golf, Rhéaume died earlier this year of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) following his diagnosis 15 months prior. ALS is a life-limiting disease that profoundly changes the lives of not only the person diagnosed but their loved ones who must provide increasing care and support as the disease progresses, limiting the ability to move, eat, speak, and eventually breathe. While there are some treatments for ALS, there is no cure, and most people with the disease will live for two to five years after their diagnosis.
To show their support for the hundreds of families across the province affected by an ALS diagnosis, golf clubs and golf pros across the province have donated more than 70 packages that ALS Québec is auctioning online between July 18 and August 1, 2024. The majority of packages include a September 10 tee time for a foursome to play a round of golf – bringing successful bidders to participating clubs on the same day for reasons much bigger than the sport. A trip to Azura resort in Costa Rica, golf, three nights stay at the Whistler Fairmont and two tickets to the 2024 Presidents Cup in Montreal are also available for bid.
ALS Québec will receive 100% of net fundraising proceeds, which will support all areas of their mission from support and education to research and advocacy. Locally focused and broadly connected, ALS Québec works closely with families affected by ALS, health care providers, researchers, industry and partners regionally, nationally and internationally to accelerate progress toward a future when an ALS diagnosis means something very different than today.
The auction website is available at https://www.mycause.bid//sla.
Quotes
“Patrick Rhéaume took the time to visit every club in Québec in the years before he passed. He was a tremendous ambassador for golf in Québec, and United on the Greens is inspired by all he did for our sport.”
Jean-Pierre Beaulieu, Executive Director, Golf Québec
“United on the Greens is a way for Québec’s golf community to help ALS Québec, just as Patrick Rhéaume helped hundreds of golfers over his incredible career in the industry.”
Eric Couture, Executive Director, PGA of Québec
“Patrick Rhéaume’s knowledge, rigor, and his desire to always do better earned him the respect of his peers as an agent for change in the golf industry. With United on the Greens to End ALS, we want to be agents for change and make a difference for others facing the disease that took him from us far too soon.”
Stéphane Dubé, Executive Director, l’Association des Clubs de Golf du Québec (ACGQ)
“As my grandmother battled ALS, I witnessed first-hand the devastating impact it can have on a person and their entire family. We are happy to support this great initiative with two tickets to the President’s Cup for the upcoming auction that will raise much needed funds to support families touched by ALS in Quebec. I encourage you all to take part and unite on the greens to help end ALS. Your contribution will truly make a meaningful difference.”
Ryan Hart, Executive Director, PGA TOUR – Presidents Cup
“ALS is not a disease to be faced or fought alone. Just as Patrick Rhéaume was recognized as an agent for change in the golf industry, United on the Greens is a way for Québec’s golf community to make a powerful difference for those living with ALS in Québec today, the families left behind, and those who will be diagnosed in the future.”
Claudine Cook, Executive Director, ALS Québec
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Media contact
Claudine Cook
Executive Director
ALS Québec
514 298-0540
ccook@sla-quebec.ca