The idea of the longest day of golf started in 1994.
In that year, four golfers teed off on 120 holes, playing from dawn to dusk and raised $3,000 to support the Canadian Cancer Society. By 2004 there were 204 golfers and the number of teams never slipped under that figure for the next 14 years.
Playing through rain or shine and even fog at times, teams arrived at the Walkerton Golf and Curling Club every third week in June.
The dollar amounts also grew, reaching a high of over $75,000 in 2013 in one day.
But what made this event was the people.
From the organizing committee to the volunteers, to the honourary chairs, there was a willingness to share stories and effort to make the event grow.
Joe Rys and his wife Diane spearheaded the event from the start.
"25 years ago I was wondering if I'd be here in 25 years," joked Joe. "I'm honoured, pleased and proud to be part of the community and work so hard, all of us, it's the community at large. It's a great tribute to small communities and not just Walkerton because we get support from all around."
In reflecting on how the event evolved, the introduction of the honourary chairs in 2000 was very important.
"Once we did that, it brought much reality," said Joe. "This is why we are doing what we are doing because of Susan or Don, very real and honest people."
There were 72 honourary chairs over the years. Some have survived, some have passed. All have shared their stories and talked about the challenges they faced while battling cancer.
(story continues after video)
Video: Joe and Diane Rys lead volunteers outside to celebrate a milestone.
https://youtu.be/9dATAHEELYU
Jeff Cornett is the Ontario region executive director for the Canadian Cancer Society.
After completing his round, he offered his congratulations to the community for its efforts but also shared some important facts.
"The survival rates of cancers have steadily improved," said Cornett. "Across all cancers, we are at 63% [survival rate] which is dramatically improved over the generations. And some cancer survival rates are as high as 85%, 87% and 95%."
But despite the improvements, there is still more to do.
"Cancer is a very complex disease. It is a breakdown of your own body including cell mutation across multiple parts," said Cornett.
As for keeping the momentum going for fundraising, it's about community according to Cornett.
"It is truly efforts of individual Canadians like the people here that make all of the difference," he said.
For now, the event has surpassed the $1,000,000 plateau. Money that will be used to help family, friends and neighbours through what could be their toughest battle.
