Six years of a Nanaimo-based charity golf tournament led by Tony Harris in his father's honour has raised millions for local causes.  (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

driving change

Nanaimo golf tournament tees up $825K for mid-Island youth, healthcare

Jun 24, 2025 | 5:02 PM

NANAIMO — One year removed from raising over $1 million, the Tom Harris Charity Classic’s encore was perhaps even more impressive.

Amid well-documented uncertain economic times, $825,000 was raised through the Friday, June 20 tournament held annually at Nanaimo Golf Club.

Tom Harris Community Foundation chair Tony Harris, said over $4 million has been generated through the tournament since its 2018 launch, the year following his iconic father’s death.

Strong individual and corporate support converged at the most recent Tom Harris Charity Classic, presented by RBC and IWCD. (Submitted photo)

Harris said the foundation backs several initiatives giving “a hand up” to various social and health causes.

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“The leaders of tomorrow: food security for youth, education for youth, sports for youth and healthcare across the region because it touches all families,” Harris told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Funds from the tournament are aiding the new SPECT/CT camera push for Nanaimo hospital, an integral diagnostic device used to detect cancer, heart problems and a range of other health issues.

The modern device is budgeted at $2.9 million, and would address wait lists for necessary diagnostic imagery.

Harris, who also chairs the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, said the SPECT/CT fundraising drive is “nearing the finish line.”

Stating he’s humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of 40 business sponsors provided this year’s charity golf tournament, Harris said individual donors also stepped up in a big way.

“A lot of people as well that gave $100, $1000, and then up from there. It’s a big cross-section of the community getting involved.”

Nearly 150 golfers and 50 volunteers assisted during the day and evening, which included dinner, a live auction and fireworks display.

Reflecting on the longstanding giving nature his late father was well known for, Harris is noticing key social and health-related charity causes seem to be more important to people regionally over the past several years.

“Creating that culture of giving is one of the things that I’m passionate about,” Harris said. “I’m proud of our region, proud of our community to see the generosity that continues to come forward.”

$850,000 marks the second-highest annual total generated at the impactful Tom Harris Charity Classic in Nanaimo. (Submitted photo)

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