The idea of creating a foundation to support Gord’s philanthropy work was born after Gord held his first annual charity golf tournament in 2008. As word spread of the event’s success, telephones began to ring. A large number of groups and organizations wanted Gord to help out in some fashion with their various fundraisers. While Gord found it very difficult not being able to reach out to these groups, he thought a Foundation might be the answer. As a result, the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation was born.
The goal of the Foundation is to be able to leverage Gord’s name and brand in order to raise funds that can then be dispersed back to youth. It is important for Gord that any funds raised through the support of fans, friends and corporate partners be initially donated in the area they were collected and then spread throughout the region.
Currently, there is one main fundraiser for the Foundation, the Gord Bamford Charity Classic Golf Tournament. It is a two day event which showcases a gala evening event along with golf tournament the following day. The event takes place in Gord’s hometown of Lacombe, Alberta 200 kilometers north of Calgary.
The evening features live performances from some of Canadian Country Music’s best artists including Gord himself. Live and silent auction items along with great food and fellowship help mark this event as one of the premier events for the who’s who of Alberta!
The highly successful event has now generated over three million dollars to date. Those dollars have supported such organizations like Kidsport Alberta, MusiCounts, Lacombe Big Brothers and Big Sisters, The Lacombe Athletic Park Society, Make A Wish Foundation and The Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta project. Significant contributions have also been made to Children’s Hospitals throughout Canada.
As the Foundation grows, the Board will look to add other events across the country to help generate funds and meet the Foundation’s mission statement.
