RIVERTON—While he is now a permanent resident of Manitoulin Island, Reggie Leach never forgets his roots.
“We held the annual Reggie Leach Golf Classic tournament (earlier this month) to raise funds for many different worthwhile causes in Riverton, Manitoba,” Mr. Leach told The Expositor. “With the funds we raised we helped many local causes in Riverton including the local fire department, arena, minor hockey and others,” he said pointing out about $83,000 was raised.
“We had 160 golfers on hand (for the one-day tournament),” said Mr. Leach, who pointed out 10 other teams were on the waiting list. “We start fundraising in January and post things on the internet about the tournament, including an auctioning off one of my jerseys, which is signed, and two people won tickets for a Winnipeg Jets-Philadelphia Flyers game.”
“It is very rewarding to help the hometown that I grew up in,” said Mr. Leach.
This year the Conn Smythe trophy was the theme of the tournament, emblematic of the most valuable player in the playoffs, which Mr. Leach won as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1976. “All the signs around the course and on the t-boxes were designed like the Conn Smythe trophy. I sign all of them and we auction them off.”
Last year the theme and signage for the tournament was the Stanley Cup, which Mr. Leach won as a member of the Flyers in 1975.
“This year was the fourth year for the tournament,” said Mr. Leach. “We have raised close to $250,000 in four years with all the funds going back to great causes in Riverton.”
“My niece Corinne looks after everything,” said Mr. Leach. He said his wife “Dawn (Madahbee Leach) puts a lot of time toward all of this as well. And we have a really good committee that helps organize everything. It takes six to seven months to get everything organized for the tournament.”
“The tournament is all run by people who have lived in Riverton,” said Mr. Leach. “I want bring give back.”
For the past three years the tournament has taken place at Teulon Golf and Country Club, which is located close to Winnipeg.
“Dawn and I bought a pool table for the seniors centre in Riverton,” said Mr. Leach. “Everything we raise goes back to the community. And this Friday I promised I would be playing pool with seniors at the centre.”
