Jason Kaszycki was playing a round of golf with his brothers and childhood friends in 2013 when the idea to host a golf tournament fundraiser came to mind. 

As a brain tumour survivor who connected with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada through his journey, Jason wanted to support the organization and the brain tumour community in return. 

The first annual Battle on the Beech golf tournament was a sell-out, held on May 10, 2014 in Niagara Falls, Ont. 

To date, the event has raised nearly $56,000, thanks to the support of friends, family and the community. With a matching donation from Bruce Power these past three years, the grand total has reached more than $77,000.

“It’s come a long way,” Jason says, of his event. “From 12 people playing an easy round and thinking, ‘What if, next year, we get maybe 10 groups together, raise a little bit of money and have some fun with it?’ to the point we’ve gotten to now, it’s incredible.”

This year, Battle on the Beech will take place on Saturday, July 12 at Beechwood Golf & Social Club in Niagara Falls, Ont. Spots have filled quickly, with 21 groups signed up so far. 

Participants can enjoy a beverage and a bite to eat through their round, before finishing up the back nine on the course. After that, they can get on with their day or stay and visit. 

“It’s a chance for everyone to get together and catch up, while supporting an important cause,” Jason says. “It’s really grown from year to year, and it’s nice to see that we’re still able to get people together and have a laugh. At the same time, it’s great that we’re able to help people who need the support. Whether it’s research, social support, or education, it’s all positive, from my point of view.”

To learn more, including how you can take part, donate, or have a chance to win some of the incredible raffle prizes (such as four tickets to a Toronto Blue Jays game!), check out the Battle on the Beech event page.