Tony Harris has hit a hole-in-one with the success of a charity golf tournament in his late father's name. (NanaimoNewsNOW File/Photo)

By Ian Holmes

giving back

‘Its far exceeded my expectations:’ Tom Harris Charity Classic makes significant impact

Jun 23, 2023 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — A golf tournament continuing the work of a late philanthropic Nanaimo business legend has taken on a life of its own, morphing into an enormously successful fundraiser.

The fourth annual Tom Harris Charity Classic tees off on Friday, June 23 at Nanaimo Golf Club, backed by 145 golfers, numerous volunteers and loads of corporate support.

Founder Tony Harris said 25 corporate partners is committed about $400,000 before the first ball is struck off the tee at noon.

“We’ve raised over a million dollars in the first three years we’ve run the event, last year we made over $600,000 alone and this year we hope to break that record,” Harris told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Money raised is diverted to the Tom Harris Community Endowment fund at the Nanaimo Foundation, then distributed to the beneficiaries.

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Four local non-profits are benefiting from this year’s tournament: Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation, Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and Nanaimo’s Mamas for Mamas branch.

Harris’ late father Tom was well known for giving back, consistently supporting many charitable causes assisting vulnerable people of all ages in the Nanaimo area and healthcare initiatives.

“A lot of the good work he did was inspire others to do the same,” Harris said.

Following his father’s untimely death in 2017, Harris wanted to channel the momentum generated from his dad’s years of community service.

“Because we’re all inspired by Tom, my mission is to keep that energy going in the community and indeed amplify it, I think that what’s we’re doing with the Tom Harris Charity Classic.”

In addition to a best ball scramble, a cocktail reception, dinner and live auction will follow.

Awards will be handed out, primarily of the comical variety, such as to the best and worst dressed.

Establishing one of the top annual fundraising events on Vancouver Island is not what Harris expected when he set out on establishing a charity golf tournament.

The goal for the first event in 2018 was $100,000, far from a drop in the bucket.

“Honestly, it’s far exceeded my expectations, my wildest dreams,” Harris said.

The 2023 Tom Harris Charity Classic is presented by corporate sponsors Strand, IWCD and Harris Auto Group.

Donations to this year’s Tom Harris Charity Classic can be made online by clicking here.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes