Following its merger with Shaw Communications last year, Rogers Communications announced Wednesday it is now the title partner of Canada’s only PGA Tour Champions tournament, formerly the Shaw Charity Classic.
Now called the Rogers Charity Classic, the annual August tournament in Calgary has long helped to raise money through its charitable arm for Alberta youth charities, raising more than $100 million since its inception, according to a Rogers press release.
Rogers is kickstarting the fundraising this year with a $1 million donation, the release says.
“This tournament has made a real impact for communities, families and children in Alberta,” Terrie Tweddle, chief brand and communications officer at Rogers, said in the release. “We are immensely proud to honour the legacy of the Shaw family with the Rogers Charity Classic and to continue supporting children’s charities across Alberta.”
Last December, Rogers announced a new five-year sponsorship of the tournament.
The tournament’s charitable fund, rebranded as Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, supports thousands of young people annually in areas that include counselling, sports and family support, the press release says.
From now through the end of August 2024, donations pledged through Rogers Birdies for Kids to participating charities will be matched up to 50 per cent through the program’s matching pool.
“We’re grateful to Rogers for its commitment to building on the tournament’s legacy and positively impacting communities in our province,” Jim Riddell, tournament chairman of the Rogers Charity Classic, said in a statement. “This family-friendly professional golf tournament is one of the most exciting highlights of summer in Calgary and more importantly is the difference it will make for the Alberta charities who support children and their families throughout the province.”
“Rogers Charity Classic is one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR Champions calendar and I always look forward to coming to Calgary each year to play in front of a Canadian crowd,” said Canadian golf legend and Team Rogers athlete Mike Weir. “I am thrilled to continue being a part of this tournament alongside Rogers in supporting charities in Alberta.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Rogers Charity Classic, which will run from Aug. 16 to 18 at Calgary’s Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club.
