Rogers partners with PGA TOUR, tees off charity classic with $1M donation

Canada’s only PGA TOUR Champions tournament has a new title sponsor, Rogers Communications, which on Wednesday kicked off fundraising efforts with a $1 million donation.

Formerly the Shaw Charity Classic, the tournament raises money for Rogers Birdies for Kids, presented by AltaLink, which supports thousands of youth every year through counselling, sports, and family support.

“This tournament has made a real impact for communities, families and children in Alberta,” Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Rogers, Terrie Tweddle, said in a statement. “We are immensely proud to honour the legacy of the Shaw family with the Rogers Charity Classic and to continue supporting children’s charities across Alberta.”

From now until the end of August, money pledged to participating charities through the initiative will be matched up to 50 per cent through the program’s matching pool.

“We’re grateful to Rogers for its commitment to building on the tournament’s legacy and positively impacting communities in our province,” said Jim Riddell, Rogers Charity Classic tournament chairman. “This family-friendly professional golf tournament is one of the most exciting highlights of summer in Calgary and more importantly is the difference it will make for the Alberta charities who support children and their families throughout the province.”

The Rogers Charity Classic runs from Aug. 16 to 18 this year at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club in Calgary, and tickets are already on sale for a variety of different packages.

“Rogers Charity Classic is one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR Champions calendar and I always look forward to coming to Calgary each year to play in front of a Canadian crowd,” Canadian golf legend and Team Rogers athlete Mike Weir said in a statement. “I am thrilled to continue being a part of this tournament alongside Rogers in supporting charities in Alberta.”

In 2023, Rogers completed its historic merger with Shaw and announced a five-year sponsorship of the tournament.

The company says this build on its commitment to growing the game in Canada and building strong communities in Alberta.

The tournament has raised more than $100 million for Alberta charities since its inception.

Rogers is the parent company of CityNews660.