Golf Classic assists Manitoba camping and micro-financing

Posted with permission from The Messenger (by Len Barkman)

An estimated $20,000 was raised for projects on June 12, 2008, during the 14th Annual EMC Golf Classic held at Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course. The purpose of this year's event was to raise funds for upgrading camping facilities for Inner City Youth Alive and micro-financing through Project Builders.

ICYA, a ministry in Winnipeg's core area, has received tournament funds for the past fourteen tournaments.

Kent Dueck, ICYA director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to tournament sponsors and supporters. Besides the camping program at Gem Lake, ICYA has a drop-in centre and is involved in community development and children and youth programs.

Len Barkman, part-time coordinator of Project Builders, explained that individuals and national church groups will be assisted with seed money for entrepreneurial development. The purpose is to refl ect the love of God through helping people in their area of need and to give them the means to become economically self-sufficient.

The EMC Board of Missions has associations with 20 agencies, some of whom specialize in micro-financing. Project Builders is currently in discussion with several agencies (such as MEDA), and is exploring micro-finance opportunities in Central Asia, Afghanistan, Paraguay, and Burkina Faso.

Project Builders will also continue to invest in many other capital projects as applications come in from the EMC Board of Missions and our missionaries (www.projectbuilders.ca).

Tournament organizers were pleased to have another sold out event with 168 golfers registered. Corporate sponsors were again generous in their support. Gary Reimer noted that sponsorship funds, individual golfer fees, and other donations were expected to raise an after-expense amount of over $20,000 for the projects.

Project Builders is currently in discussion with several agencies (such as MEDA), and is exploring micro-finance opportunities in Central Asia, Afghanistan, Paraguay, and Burkina Faso. Len Barkman, part-time coordinator of Project Builders.

Golfers drove through rain and threatening clouds to the tournament. One group from the Interlake area of Manitoba traveled in light rain the entire distance. Despite apprehension they may have had, one of them commented that "a big reason for going to the tournament is to be with the people." No doubt that expressed a sentiment of many golfers: the fellowship and camaraderie are as enjoyable as the game itself.

By the time the siren sounded to officially begin the shotgun start, the rains had stopped. By the sixth hole, sunshine made its way through the clouds - a beautiful day to enjoy, not only being together with others but to enjoy a great game of golf.

Project Builders is grateful for the excellent support of sponsors and the great participation of those who came to make this day a huge success. A special thanks to golf committee members Ron and Ruth Penner, Matt Kroeker, Ron Friesen, Burt Loewen, Duane Penner, Ray Dueck, Gary Reimer, and Len Barkman for their work in making this event happen.

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