Another fundraising success . . .

It is said volunteers are the lifeblood of community events. In the case of Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society fundraising tournament at the Poverty Bay Golf Club last Sunday, these men are its heart. From left are Brian Shields, Peter Florence, Gary Bates and John “Doc” Rouse. Picture by Paul Rickard Golf Cancer Tourney - Brian Shields, Peter Florence, Gary Bates, John Rouse

Someone jokingly called Peter “Florrie” Florence and his organising team “Last of the Summer Winers”.

But there are more appropriate labels for the generosity and commitment of this special crew who produced another highly successful Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society fundraising tournament at Poverty Bay Golf Club last Sunday.

The tournament dates back 18 years following discussions in the late Wayne Callaghan’s famous “John Wayne Room” where many a privileged person enjoyed a beer or three and a chew of the fat.

Cancer claimed “Callie” but his legacy lives on through his family and this special event.

To date, “Florrie” and Co estimate they have raised in the vicinity of $70,000, all of which goes to the GEC Cancer Society to be used locally.

It is estimated that one in two people are affected in some way by cancer. That includes all four of the tournament organising team.

One of them, Brian Shields, has only just finished cancer treatment in Hamilton, but was on hand on Sunday as co-organiser and prize-giving announcer.

He spoke of his experience but not so much of himself, rather the incredible people he dealt with and the humbling effect of meeting those going through similar experiences.

Florrie is a relentless pursuer of sponsorship and prizes for a tournament to which he has a particularly emotional attachment.

It has always been his intention for everyone to go home with a prize and that was easily achieved again.