Golf day raises thousands for Geelong organisation

FUNDRAISING records were broken at the Curlewis Golf Course when the Ryan Gatgens Memorial Golf Day returned for a fifth year.

Held on March 9, the event featured more than 370 golfers who raised $72,000 for Geelong organisation Hope Bereavement Care.

The memorial day is held each year in honour of Ryan Gatgens, who passed away in 2019 following a battle with mental health.

Hope Bereavement Care provided Gatgens’ family with invaluable support following his death and was chosen as the charity all funds would be donated to.

Event organiser Daniel Driscoll said it was awesome to raise such a large amount of money, especially after last year’s fundraising was limited due to hot weather conditions.

“To come back this year and make a record amount was amazing and it was even better to move it to Curlewis and have it there, it all worked so well.

“I’s not just about making the money, it obviously helps, but we try and push the message that there’s help out there for people that are struggling.”

Hope Bereavement Care provide support to people impacted by sudden and unexpected grief, including grief after suicide.

Hope Bereavement Care executive officer Jacinta Bourke said the organisation is incredibly grateful for the fundraising efforts of the golf day.

“It’s just such an amazing achievement from the entire committee and the generosity of Curlewis Golf Club as well.

“Certainly, from the golf day every little bit counts, but then to get such a large donation, it really supports the work we do.”

The golf day donation will go towards support after suicide and the groups of people who are impacted by it.

“What we have found is when somebody dies by suicide, there’ll be entire groups of people impacted by that,” Ms Bourke said.

“The evidence is quite clear – if you put in first aid support, post-venture support, you do in fact reduce further suicides.”

Mr Driscoll thanked all the sponsors and attendees for their support in the event.