Big Brothers Big Sisters spreads awareness at charity tournament

The Sault Golf Club was the site of the 5th annual 'Golf for Kids Sake' tournament Sunday afternoon to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie.

In addition to being a sponsor of the 27-team scramble with IG Wealth Management, Marc Donnelly had spent several years with the program as a ‘big brother’ where he provided mentorship to local youth facing adversity.

Prior to hitting the course this afternoon, Donelly caught up with SooToday and explained that his older brother Keith inspired him to help give back to kids who are in need of an older sibling-like influence.

“I was a typical kid – a pain in the butt to (Keith) as far as cramping his lifestyle when I was young,” Donnelly laughed. “But when I got to be early teens, whenever I had questions or struggled with something, he was there to help me with his past experience.”

“Being six-and-a-half years younger, he was a good asset for me to have and to make better choices.”

That kind of upbringing sparked Donnelly’s decision to volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and become a ‘big brother’ figure for other kids who required that kind of mentorship and guidance.

“It’s very rewarding,” he says. “It’s a bit of a time commitment, but if you can make a difference in somebody’s life, it’s very rewarding.”

“Given today’s social habits, like with divorces and other things, it’s a good organization to help the kids in those kinds of situations.”

While he’s not currently volunteering with the program, Donnelly says he’d consider joining again when the timing is right.

“The dedication their volunteers have is impressive,” he says. “All the people who have donated their time are great.”

Following Sunday’s scramble, golfers will head across the street to Mulligan’s Irish Pub for dinner, prizes, and a silent auction.