A Blenheim teen has raised over $5,000 for the Chatham-Kent Hospice.
Rhys Dulisch has organized the Blenheim Soccer Dogs 3 on 3 Tournament for five years in a row, with proceeds going towards the new Hospice for the past two years. Dulisch created the event in memory of his childhood friend Tyson Santavy.
This year's tournament had over 200 people and 33 teams in attendance.
Dulisch and his mother visited the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday to present a cheque for $5,500.
"In the last two years, he's raised almost $11,000 for Chatham-Kent Hospice, so those funds have stayed local, which is wonderful," says Executive Director Jodi Maroney.
Maroney says the hospice, which opened in April 2016, is only partially-funded by the government. She says this funding only covers direct medial care costs, so donations like this are vital to the organization's operation.
"All the costs to operate the hospice in the care that we give here, like utilities, buying groceries and supplies, all come out of fundraising dollars. This money is going to go directly into providing care for the families that use the hospice everyday," explains Maroney.
The tournament has raised over $40,000 since it began, with proceeds going towards both the Ronald McDonald House and Chatham-Kent Hospice.
Maroney says the organization is hosting a gala on October 27, which is another way for the community to support the hospice. More information can be found online.
