FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Barrie, October 19, 2026
BARRIE, ON, OCTOBER 19, 2026 – What began as a golf tournament in memory of Joan Wilson has grown into a meaningful annual tradition of giving back to the Hospice that provided her and her family with compassionate end-of-life care. On Friday, August 28, 148 golfers returned to Simoro Golf Links, selling out the tournament once again and continuing a legacy of generosity that began six years ago.
PHOTO, Left to Right: Marilyn Guest, Jackie Fox, Scott Ward, Andy Wilson (husband of Joan), David Webster, Stephanie Sherlock.
This year’s Joan Wilson Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $25,000 for Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre, bringing the event’s cumulative fundraising total to more than $107,000. That support has been made possible by golfers, sponsors, and community members who continue to return year after year in Joan’s memory.
“The Joan Wilson Memorial Golf Tournament is one of those events that really shows what community support can look like,” says Kelly Hubbard, Executive Director of Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre. “Year after year, people come out in Joan’s memory and help make compassionate hospice care possible for other families in our community. To see the tournament sell out again this year and to know that the money raised will help families experience the same care that Joan did is something we’re incredibly grateful for.”
For Scott Ward, watching the tournament grow while staying rooted in the reason it began has made each year special. “Joan is the reason we started this, and six years later, people are still showing up,” says Ward. “There are people who come back every year, along with new faces who join us, and that’s what has allowed this tournament to become what it is. We’re grateful to every golfer, sponsor, and person who has supported it. Raising $107,000 for Hospice is something we’re very proud of. Its about Family and Community”
Funds raised through the tournament support Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre’s hospice palliative care and grief and bereavement programs, helping ensure individuals and families can access care and support at no cost.
Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre extends its thanks to Scott Ward, Andy Wilson, David Webster and everyone who has helped build and support the tournament over the past six years.
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About Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre
Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre provides compassionate care and support for individuals and families across Simcoe County before, during, and after the death of a loved one. Through residential hospice care, visiting hospice, caregiver support, and grief and bereavement programs for children, youth, and adults, Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre offers comfort, connection, and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments. All programs and services are provided at no cost, thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters.
| Media Contact: Marilyn Guest, Donor Relations & Communications Manager Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre 705-722-5995 ext. 245 marilyn@hospicesimcoe.ca |
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit websites: Hospice Simcoe or Seasons Centre for Grieving Children