On June 25^th, 2011, nearly fifty employees of Eagle West, friends and family made the trek early Saturday morning to the Fraserglen Golf Course in Abbotsford for the Eagle West Cranes 13^th Annual Golf Tournament. Despite the likeliness of rain everyone’s enthusiasm to spend the day hanging out, playing best ball and engaging in some friendly competition won out.

Don Hamm, a fifteen year employee of Eagle West who is currently an operator in the BC Interior, fondly recalled first mentioning the idea of a golf tournament at a drivers meeting thirteen years ago “I just put the idea out there to see who would be interested, I think we had about twelve people the first year, now we have 48”.

The balance of work and play is important to Eagle West. On a day like their annual golf tournament or other company event, one can’t help but be reminded of how the Eagle West family genuinely cares about their values as a team. Golfers with all levels of experience, including null, were encouraged and coached by others; Employees came out to the event just to have the opportunity to hang out with other employees they don’t see often otherwise; It’s tradition for some to attend with their child or spouse every year and the turnout is growing annually. Thank you to Charlene Barkman and Steve Anema for organizing this event & Dave at Fraserglen Golf Course.

Prizes were awarded for the winning team, most honest team, and longest drive ladies & men. The best team: Dave Van Straten, Bob Connors, Kevin Uppal & Shannon Booth won the tournament and received gift cards to Earl’s restaurant. Shannon Booth won the ladies longest drive and Bob Connors won the men’s longest drive. The most honest team comprised of Cam Jeanson, Joia Jeanson, Don Hamm and Ernie Pierini were awarded Tim Horton’s gift cards and Golfing For Dummies mini books.

The 50/50 draw was a success with over $500.00 raised for Eagle’s Care, the Eagle West charity program since 2005 which operates year round to help families and people in need. Some of the ways Eagle West has provided support to those in difficult circumstances have included supplying medical equipment, new beds and bedding, car repairs, hydro payments, baby food and basics, and grocery hampers etc. The charity has done two blanket and coat drives to collect gently used items for the Salvation Army and Union Gospel Mission in their work with the homeless. Every year Eagle’s Care also supports the Canadian Cancer Society and BC Children’s Hospital with donations.

George Louie was the winner of the 50/50 draw. David Higgins & Leisa Shea also won 50/50 prizes.

In addition, all participants received an insulated lunch box embroidered with the Eagle West logo. A big thank you goes out to everyone who was able to attend, making the Eagle West 13^th Annual Golf Day a great success. See you on the green next year!