The WBL Ladies Tournament hosted by the Drive for Lives Committee was a ladies’ day out to enjoy camaraderie of good friends and sharing laughs on a spectacular golf course while supporting a life-saving organization. On July 19th, White Bear Lake Golf Course once again was bombarded with fun-loving women at the annual Drive for Lives Ladies Golf Tournament. Formerly known as the Shoot for STARs Tournament, this charity tournament is once again focusing on raising funds for an essential service, with this year’s recipient being Red Coat Mutual Aid.
Red Coat Mutual Aid (RCMA) works in conjunction with the Redvers and Carlyle Fire Departments, and the 12 participating Municipalities (RM of Storthoaks, RM of Reciprocity, RM of Antler, RM of Moose Mountain, RM of Brock, Town of Arcola, Town of Carlyle, Town of Redvers, Village of Kenosee Lake, Village of Kisbey, Village of Manor and the Village of Storthoaks). The Red Coat Mutual Aid service area covers over 2,400 kms² throughout the Southeast corner. When every second counts, Red Coat Mutual Aid is often the first to arrive at the accident scenes with lifesaving rescue equipment such as the JAWS of life, vehicle stabilizers and defibrillators. They partake in fire, water, ice, skidoo, grain bin, and heavy equipment rescues as well as establishing safe landings for the STARs Air Ambulance.
On June 20th, Colleen Brown and Jacky Lothian, tournament organizers, were invited to an informative tour of the equipment and vehicles used in RCMA rescues. Rob Klassen, Deputy Fire Chief with the Carlyle Fire Department, who has been with the department for 19 years explained that the Carlyle Fire Department presently have 23 members with 15 active members who undertake ongoing specialized training. The purchasing of reliable and effective equipment is also ongoing, with their next purchase being stabilization struts for large vehicle rescues like buses and semis. As Travis Van Meer, Deputy Chief with the Carlyle Fire Department explained “While we ensure we have enough people trained in various rescues and own the essential life-saving equipment, we hope not to use this equipment as often as we do”.
Brad Hutton, Fire Chief with the Redvers Fire Department, who has been with the department for 21 years explained that the Redvers Fire Department presently has 22 members who actively participate in volunteering their time for an essential service to this area and the surrounding community. Some of the Redvers Fire Department Members have volunteered their time to participate in Presentations and Educational Programs on Distracted and Impaired Driving as well as Fire Safety for the students in various schools and Daycares within the area. These active Fire Department members have also undertaken specialized training in high angle rescue, heavy equipment rescue, grain bin rescue and Ice/Water Rescue. Thanks to the Red Coat Mutual Aid participating Municipalities, in 2020, both fire departments will be expanding their training in Rope Rescue, Vehicle Extrication Level 1 and Advanced Vehicle Extrication techniques and concepts.
This is the ladies tournament’s 7th year and its continued success is due to the incredible generosity of sponsors, the keen golfers, the wonderful volunteers and the excellent service provided by the personnel at the Bear Claw Casino and the White Bear Lake Golf Course. In hosting the event the Drive for Lives Committee raised $16,000.00 to give to the Red Coat Mutual Aid Committee in order to purchase much needed rescue equipment and ensure our fire fighters are properly trained in the event of an emergency.
Colleen Brown commented on what a privilege it is to organize this golf event. “This tournament emphasizes the enjoyment of spending time with friends outside in the fresh air while supporting the community at the same time. As we are hours away from a fully equipped hospital, there is an imperative need for Red Coat Mutual Aid”.
Once again, the Drive for Lives Committee is working hard to ensure that the WBL Ladies Golf Tournament can continue to be a success in helping out the Redcoat Mutual Aid and future recipients, they invite anyone that is interested in sponsoring the event to contact them. Monetary donations, gift certificates and prize donations are welcomed. Monetary donations can be made out to WBL Ladies Tournament and sent to Colleen Brown General Delivery, Manor, SK. S0C 1R0. Please feel free to contact any of the following committee members for additional information regarding the event:
Colleen Brown – colleen.travel@hotmail.com 1-306-577-7482
Jacky Lothian – bjlothian@sasktel.net 1-306-630-3967
Or if you would like more information regarding Red Coat Mutual Aid contact:
Don Van Meer, Carlyle Fire Chief carlylefire@gmail.com 1-306-575-3177
Brad Hutton, Redvers Fire Chief brad.hutton@sasktel.net 1-306-452-8229
Melissa Roberts, Secretary/Treasurer Red Coat Mutual Aid rm61@sasktel.net 1-306-452-3263.
