From first swing to lasting impact: How a golf tournament is powering stroke care forward in Waterloo Region
Event Feature
It began with a goal to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and the importance of having a full-continuum stroke program within the community.
In two years, Golf 4 Stroke Care has done more than that – raising $30,000 for the District Stroke Centre at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN).
With its third installment coming to Rebel Creek Golf Club on June 19, the tournament has the potential to do much more.
Support from Golf 4 Stroke Care – including registration fees, a 50/50 draw and other on-site activations – has helped fund essential equipment and resources patients rely on every day. Funds have supported equipment for rehabilitation, innovative therapy trials, education materials, and research to advance patient care.
“The tournament has really helped provide flexible funding for emerging needs,” says Holly Arnold, District Stroke Manager at WRHN.
And as a program that covers a full range of acuity across a wide geographical landscape, it’s very important to be equipped with the tools, resources, and innovation we need to treat our patients.
A wide-ranging program
The stroke program at WRHN – which received accreditation last year for leading excellence in stroke care – serves approximately 1 million people across Waterloo-Wellington. It offers a full continuum of care including emergency services, a stroke unit, a rehab program, outpatient rehabilitation services, and a stroke prevention clinic.
While raising funds for stroke care, the golf tournament also brings together former patients, families, care-givers, healthcare providers, and other community members who have seen the impact of stroke firsthand.
Each of the first two tournaments have featured at least one team of stroke survivors, while other former patients mingle with players and tell their stories through the day.
“Almost everyone has been impacted by stroke in some way,” says Dr. Stephen Giilck, Department Chief and Medical Director of WRHN’s stroke program.
The primary purpose of the tournament is community awareness: helping people recognize signs of stroke and understanding the need for quick diagnoses and care.
From awareness to impact
For Holly and Dr. Giilck, who were part of the first tournament in 2024, seeing former stroke patients thrive after receiving care at WRHN is one of the most rewarding aspects of their work.
“Stroke is always unexpected; it’s sudden,” says Holly. “You’re with these patients at the most scary, vulnerable moments of their lives, and they put all their trust in you to help them recover."
When you’re working with stroke patients, you can really make a difference at a time when they need it most.
Join us on June 19 for a day of golf supporting Stroke Care at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN).
Together, we aim to raise funds, awareness and support for over 1,800 people who rely on specialized Stroke Care at WRHN every year.
Let your experience inspire others.
Whether you’re a patient, family member, donor, event participant or proud WRHN staff, sharing your story and connection to Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is a powerful way to show how donations impact our community in real, tangible ways.
