By Shelley Winger
On Saturday, August 16, the fairways at Redwater Community Golf Club were alive with
laughter, sunshine, and the unmistakable spirit of community. Friends, families, sponsors, and
volunteers gathered for the 7th Annual Tom’s Tournament of Heroes, a day that has become so
much more than just golf. From the very first tee-off to the last raffle prize of the evening, there
was a sense of joy and gratitude that carried through every moment. While the competition was
fun and spirited, the true heart of this event lies in the legacy it honours and the cause it supports:
the life and memory of Tom Matthews and his commitment to raising awareness about organ and
tissue donation.
For those who never had the chance to meet him, Tom Matthews was a man whose life was
defined not just by the years he lived, but by the way he lived them. On July 11, 2009, Tom
received a double-lung transplant — the ultimate gift of life. That gift gave him the chance to
breathe deeply again, to spend precious years with his family, and to find a new mission:
spreading the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Tom knew firsthand the
power of one person’s decision to donate. He became a passionate advocate, speaking with
others, supporting awareness campaigns, and encouraging people to register as donors. His
energy, humour, and kindness left an impression on everyone he met. Though Tom has since
passed, his legacy of courage and generosity continues to inspire through this tournament, which
carries his name and his mission forward.
The morning began in true community fashion, with the Lions Club serving a hearty clubhouse
breakfast that fueled players for the day ahead. At 10:30 AM, teams took to the course under
clear skies. The energy was high, with golfers sharing laughs, a few friendly rivalries, and the
simple joy of being together for a good cause. As the sun climbed, players enjoyed a lunch
generously sponsored by TKO Rentals Ltd., followed by more fun and competition on the
greens. The day wrapped up with a delicious dinner sponsored by Hedge Co Vegetation
Management, where heartfelt announcements were shared, stories were told, and the impact of
the day was celebrated.
Throughout the tournament, golfers also took part in exciting challenges like longest drive,
closest-to-the-pin, best dressed, and of course, the battle for overall team champions. Off the
course, excitement buzzed around the raffle table, with incredible prizes up for grabs, including a
WestJet flight voucher, a tailgate package, and many more generously donated items.
Every year brings memorable highlights, but the 7th Annual Tournament had a moment that
stood out above the rest. Team Spare Parts, featuring Armand Boucher — Tom’s own son —
emerged as the overall tournament champions, taking home the coveted trophy. Seeing Armand
play, compete, and ultimately win the tournament in his father’s honour was profoundly moving.
The victory symbolized more than just golf skill — it was a tribute to Tom’s enduring spirit and a
reminder of why this event exists. The trophy, carried forward by his son, is now a lasting
symbol of both family pride and the impact Tom left behind.
Beyond the fairways and the fun, Tom’s Tournament of Heroes carries a much deeper purpose:
sparking conversations about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Each year, the event
invites voices that can shed light on this lifesaving gift. This year, Corinne Marceau, Senior
Donation Consultant for the Edmonton and North Zones with Give Life Alberta, spoke to
participants about the incredible impact of donation. She reminded everyone that each registered
donor has the power to transform multiple lives — and that behind every statistic are families
given more time and more hope. Alberta recently reached a record 317 deceased organ and tissue
donors in one year, each one giving the ultimate gift of life.
The success of the 7th Annual Tournament was made possible by the dedication of so many.
Sponsors stepped up with generosity that ensures the tournament grows year after year. Players
brought enthusiasm and joy to the day, filling the course with laughter and camaraderie.
Volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, the quiet heroes who made sure every detail ran
smoothly. Together, they created something much larger than a golf tournament — a living
tribute to Tom’s legacy.
While this year’s tournament was one to remember, the excitement is already building for next
year. The 8th Annual Tom’s Tournament of Heroes will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026,
at the Cardiff Golf & Country Club Course. Each year the tournament grows — in players, in
spirit, and in impact. It is a day that honours Tom Matthews, celebrates life, and continues to
spread awareness about the gift of organ and tissue donation.
At the heart of it all is Tom: a man whose life was extended through the generosity of a donor
and who used that gift to help others. His story continues to change lives by inspiring people to
register as donors and to have conversations with their loved ones about this life-changing
choice. The tournament ensures that his voice, his mission, and his legacy live on. Every laugh
shared on the course, every sponsor’s donation, and every raffle ticket purchased helps extend
his message: that the choice to give life is the most powerful gift of all.
Tom’s Tournament of Heroes is more than just a golf tournament — it is a testament to what
happens when community, love, and legacy come together.
For photos and a full recap of the day, visit:
www.secondchancetrailride.ca/7th-annual-toms-tournament-of-heroes
If you haven’t already, please consider registering as an organ and tissue donor. It’s a simple
decision that can give someone else the ultimate gift of life. To learn more and to register, visit:
www.alberta.ca/organ-and-tissue-donation