Canadian professional ice hockey centre Brendan Morrison, formerly of the National Hockey League, will again host the Tofino Saltwater Classic fundraiser fishing derby, to be held for a sixth consecutive year, this weekend July 4 and 5.
To date, the Saltwater Classic has raised more than $185,000 to support various Tofino community initiatives, including the Wickaninnish School Parent Advisory Council’s Healthy Lunch Program, the Tofino General Hospital Foundation, the Tofino Parks and Recreation Commission, the Tofino Legion Youth Night Program and the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society.
“The generosity of our derby’s participants and fans is truly inspiring,” said Morrison. “Tofino is a great place to live, work and fish and I am very pleased to be able to help support such a great community in a meaningful way.”
Black Press is a major media sponsor for the event.
“The Saltwater Classic is by far the largest fundraiser in Tofino and has made a number of important community programs possible,” said Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne. “Mr. Morrison’s enthusiasm and the continued support from Tofino Saltwater Classic participants, volunteers and donators are much appreciated.”
The Tofino Saltwater Classic is open to 125 anglers who compete for thousand of dollars in prize money in a number of fishing categories. The $250 entry fee includes a welcome gift bag with an event-branded shirt, a “Brendan and Friends” meet-and-greet gathering at Wolf in the Fog restaurant on Friday, July 3 and a celebratory dinner and silent auction at Marina West on July 4.
In addition to participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raises funds via the event’s silent auction and by private donations from Tofino residents and business owners from around the province and across North America.
For more information, visit tofinosaltwaterclassic.com.