Community rallies for a cause at Larry Schesnuk Memorial Tournament

By Haylee Winger

The community came together in a remarkable show of support and remembrance on June 20th at the Larry Schesnuk Memorial Golf Tournament, Dinner, and Auction, raising an impressive $44,504.73 for the Canadian Cancer Society to support pancreatic cancer research.

Held in honour of Larry Schesnuk, a man remembered for his warmth, generosity, and ability to bring people together, the event drew golfers, volunteers, and supporters from across the region. From the early tee times to the lively evening auction, the day was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt moments.

“This event was a powerful reflection of Larry’s spirit,” said a spokesperson for the organizing committee. “Whether you donated, purchased items, played in the golf tournament, attended dinner, or volunteered, you helped create a lasting tribute that we will always remember.”

Another highlight of the day was the overwhelming support shown through donations. Organizers emphasized the impact of these contributions, saying, “To those who generously donated items for the live and silent auctions—your support added incredible value to the event and showcased the generosity and heart of this community.”

The fundraising total was significantly bolstered by these generous contributions, which helped turn the event into not only a touching memorial but a meaningful force for change in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

The funds raised will support two impactful initiatives through the Canadian Cancer Society. One is a comprehensive pancreatic cancer research program led by Dr. Steven Gallinger. His team is working to improve early detection, deepen understanding of the disease’s biology, and introduce new therapies and personalized treatments—vital steps in increasing survival for one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
Another portion will support research led by Yuji Kamio, who is optimizing dose planning and delivery for an innovative new cancer therapy in people with late-stage pancreatic cancer. This work aims to improve treatment outcomes and offer hope to patients facing the most advanced stages of the disease.

Volunteers also played a vital role in the event’s success, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every detail ran smoothly. Their efforts created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

From a heartfelt memorial to a successful fundraiser, the event stood as a testament to Larry’s legacy and the strength of the community he loved. Organizers expressed deep gratitude for everyone who participated and hinted at hopes for another gathering next year.

“We sincerely appreciate your support—thank you again,” they said. “We hope to see you all again next year!”

A message from Larry’s family:
The Schesnuk Family would like to thank all those who donated, organized, volunteered, and attended the Larry Schesnuk Memorial Golf Tournament, Dinner, and Auction. We are especially grateful to Connect Energy Services and LTD Oilfield Services.

We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and generosity shown to our family during this recent event. We’ve always known we lived in a special community, but this experience has shown just how deeply that spirit of compassion and togetherness runs.

We thank you for this tribute to Larry in his memory, and we hope that someday, through these generous donations, we will win the fight against cancer.