HOTLINE, Winter, 2009

Local 258 Annual Golf Tournament raises funds
for MS Society of Canada

At the cheque presentation to the MS Society, from left: Bev Matsu, Coordinator; Paula Springman, Director of Development; Dan Klassen, Local 258 IBEW; Janet Palm, President MS Society of Canada (BC & Yukon Division); Mark Davison, Local 258 IBEW.

On a beautiful sunny day in September, dozens of avid golfers showed up to support Local 258’s annual tournament to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

This year’s tournament was another great success, both for those who participated and for the charity that has a long relationship with IBEW. Many thanks go to BC Hydro as a major contributor to this event.

Golfers enjoyed 18-holes at the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, followed by an awards banquet and dinner at the publicly owned facility.

Each year, proceeds from the tournament are donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has had a long standing relationship with this non-profit Society that goes back many years when Brother Jim Wolfgang, a long standing IBEW member who has MS, initiated the union’s involvement.

Brother Wolfgang began his career as a construction electrician with Local 230 and in 1958, became an Assistant Business Manager with the Local before taking on the role of International Representative working out of the Toronto office.

Brother Wolfgang was initially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the mid-60’s and continued to work until his doctor advised him to retire in 1985. It was then he became involved as a volunteer with the MS Society, and has contributed to the successful relationship between IBEW and the non-profit charity organization.

Many thanks to Local 258 Assistant Business Manager Dan Klassen who organized this year’s event (again!) that raised $9,550 for the MS Society of Canada.

Janet Palm, President of the BC & Yukon Division of the MS Society in Canada, expressed the group’s appreciation of “the steady and caring support of IBEW Local 258 over the years. The IBEW’s contribution has a great impact on the lives of people dealing with MS” in a letter sent to the union when the cheque was presented in October.

Thanks to all those who participated and we’ll see you again next year!