The Nick Taylor Charity Classic was blessed with sunny skies, good times and the presence of the Canadian Open champion last week.
The annual event also managed to raised more than $275,000 which will go to Jumpstart, junior golf programs and student endowment scholarships at UFV.
This was the second year the Classic, presented by Algra Bros, was played at Cultus Lake Golf Course. This year’s format deviated from the former pro-am played in past years and was a “bit looser,” says Chris Bertram, a director with the Nick Taylor Classic.
“We took advantage of the amazing facilities they have at Cultus Lake,” he says.
From a pre-round meet-and-greet with Taylor, as well as time on the Top Tracer Range Simulator Experience, lunch, 18-hole tournament, dinner and after party – including the amazing putting contest at Tap-Ins – the Classic was a golf enthusiast’s dream. And while tourney participants got an amazing day of golf and memories, it’s the local charities that are the real beneficiaries of the event.
Over the years, more than a half-million dollars have been put into endowment scholarships through an investment fund at UFV.
“The event itself has raised in excess of a million dollars,” Bertram proudly admits. “The money has gone to some very worthy causes in the Fraser Valley.”
This year’s Classic purposefully invited back many people who have attended or sponsored the event in the past.
“Nick’s profile has taken quite a jump this year with the victory at the Canadian Open,” Bertram says. “Nick just wants to help out the community that raised him.”
As always, sponsors – such as presenters Algra Bros – play a vital role in making the event such an amazing success. Phil Algra fondly recalls being invited to travel with the UFV golf team to Bandon Dunes in Oregon back when Bertram was the team’s coach. Bertram was running a fundraising golf tourney then with former PGA golfer Ray Stewart.
“Chris was persistent,” Algra says. “He thought I could bring something more to the organization of the event.”
The next year Algra was paired with Taylor at the golf tournament, and seeds for the Classic were sown.
“Our philosophy was always to make it better for the people in our community,” he says. “We want to give kids the opportunities to be in sports, but we also need to support excellence through the UFV golf scholarships.”
What sets Algra Bros apart from other corporate sponsors is their willingness to be hands-on involved. They could just give money, but that’s not who they are, says Algra.
“I like being part of fun, elevated events,” he says. “That usually isn’t the role of a sponsor.”
Taylor’s enhanced profile thanks to his Canadian Open victory also saw pressure to “sell out.” Algra wasn’t interested.
“We’re community guys,” he says. “We believe in relationships to make things better than they were yesterday. People will support that in a bigger way.”
Bertram says people like Rob Hasell of Emil Andersen, Bill Miller of Amalgamated Trading Ltd., Canex Building Supplies, tech company boomi, Adidas, Titleist and RBC have all stepped up over the years.
And for the past few years West Coast Amusements owners Bob and Wendy Hauser have graciously opened up their amazing home for a pre-tournament gala second to none the night before tournament play.
“They allow us to take over their house,” Bertram says with a laugh. “It’s an amazing evening.”
“Jumpstart helps kids facing financial and accessibility barriers access sport and play,” Taylor said. “Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped over 2.4 million kids across the country get involved in activities like hockey, soccer, swimming and ballet.
“Please support me by hitting the ‘donate’ button to make a secure online donation. Together, we can help kids learn new skills, build confidence, and boost their self-esteem. Every dollar of your donation helps them get into the game”
To donate visit the event page on by clicking here: Jump Start.