A special charity golf tournament returns this year, honouring a Sarnia man who died in the prime of his life at just 49-years-old.
The Cousi Open is taking place on Saturday, September 19 at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course, in memory of Brian Cousineau.
It was started in 2017 by his daughters Amanda, Brooke, Christie and Drew.
All proceeds will be donated to the Sarnia Hockey Association (SHA) and the Sarnia Junior Lady Sting (SJLS).
Cousi Committee Chairman Mike Hobin said Cousi was a gifted athlete and a wonderful father who touched many lives.
"For the first number of years, we raised money for diabetes because Cousi died from juvenile diabetes," said Hobin. "About two and a half years ago we switched gears and started raising money for minor hockey."
Hobin said it's great to be able to keep Cousi's memory alive.
"It's awesome," he said. "Cousi was a very good friend to myself and many others in the hockey community. I think about him all the time, it's really great to have this tournament and bring back these memories. He was a great guy."
The late Robbie Moore, Ricky Fraser, and Glen Lecour are also being remembered.
Last year's event brought in $38,000 for the SHA and $8,000 for the SJLS.
Overall, the Cousi Group has raised over $140,000.
Since they started supporting these organizations, they've had over 550 total goalie interactions through clinics and coaching sessions, and were able to buy thousands of dollars worth of goalie equipment.
About 50 underprivileged kids have been supported.
A happy Mom said, “With the financial help of the Cousi Assist Program, my two boys were able to have a great year of hockey and learn so many life skills from this wonderful game.”
Donations can be made in the following ways:
1. The most preferred way is to E-transfer your donation to [email protected]
2. Mail a cheque made out to the “Cousi Open” to Kelly Dann, 2519 Hamilton Rd., Bright’s Grove, N0N 1C0.
3. For a tax receipt go to www.sarniacommunityfoundation.ca and select “Cousi Hockey Development Fund.”
They're also looking for sponsors.
Those interested can send an email to [email protected].
