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Fundraising crucial to Pacifica Treatment Centre

Fifth annual Golf Tournament takes place Oct. 4
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SAVING LIVES Kerry Dennehy believes fundraisers like the Pacifica Golf Tournament are the only things keeping the Pacifica Treatment Centre sustainable. Photo submitted

In the past five years, the annual Pacifica Golf Tournament has gone a long way to keeping the doors of the Pacifica Treatment Centre open.

"We've probably raised $40-50,000 I'd say. Maybe more," said Kerry Dennehy, CEO at Pacifica, which helps people with addictions.

"Other treatment centres have shut down because of budget cuts, and that leaves a huge need, because believe me, we are always full to the gunnels with a waiting list to get in here."

As such, fundraisers like the Pacifica Golf Tournament — taking place Saturday, Oct. 4 at Big Sky Golf in Pemberton — have become a means of sustainability for the treatment centre, and in turn, the people who rely on it.

"The problem, unfortunately, as we all recognize, is not going away overnight," said Dennehy, a long time Whistler resident.

"It's a huge problem amongst not only young people, but the whole spectrum, all the way through."

But Fundraising isn't the only reason for the annual golf tournament, Dennehy said.

"It's a dual purpose: to raise money, but also to raise awareness that we are here, we are in business, and our programs do work," Dennehy said.

"I always say to people we can guarantee a 100 per cent success rate if they use the tools they've learned here. When people are ready, we really do make a difference and save lives."

And the tools Pacifica offers its clients are extensive.

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Pacifica helps its clients realize that no matter where they come from or what they're facing, they are not alone.

"Whether you're a Navy Seal diver or a 74-year-old woman," Dennehy said.

"The people have one thing in common, and they've got to realize, whether it's genetic or environmentally caused, alcoholism and addiction do not favour any boundaries, colour, race, creed or whatever."

Since opening in 1977, the Pacifica Treatment Centre has had over 12,000 people come through its doors.

While the centre is located in Vancouver, Dennehy is proud to call Whistler home.

"Whistler means a lot to us, and we just want people to know that if they do have, or know someone with drug and alcohol issues, that we're there for them," he said.

There are still spots available for the fifth annual Pacifica Golf Tournament.

Registration is $129 and includes golf, cart, dinner, gift bag, prizes and silent auction.

Auction items include a barbecue, free rounds of golf at various courses and a flat screen TV. There's also a hole-in-one prize for a new car.

"Groups or companies can get a foursome together and enjoy the last game of the season," Dennehy said.

"The value is certainly there for a great cause."

Call Dennehy at 778-886-0298 to register.

To donate to Pacifica directly visit www.pacificatreatment.ca.