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Ottawa, ON – November 12, 2025 - The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA Canada) is pleased to announce the official launch of the NGCOA Canada Foundation, following its recent approval as a registered charitable organization.
At the heart of the Foundation’s purpose is the Jeff Ciecko Benevolent Fund, established to assist individuals and families within the golf community facing hardship due to loss of income, life-threatening illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. Through this fund, the NGCOA Canada Foundation will help ensure that members of the golf industry receive compassionate and timely support when it is needed most.
“This is a significant milestone that allows us to move forward with confidence in building the Foundation’s profile and supporting golf families across the country,” said Bryan Ewart, Chair of the NGCOA Canada Foundation Board. “Jeff would be so proud that something born out of his spirit can now grow and truly make a difference”, added Ewart. Jeff Ciecko was an accomplished golf industry professional and beloved NGCOA Canada supporter, who passed away in March of 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Looking beyond immediate assistance, the Foundation is also committed to fostering growth and sustainability within the industry by developing educational bursaries and scholarships. These initiatives will provide opportunities for professional development, encouraging the next generation of leaders to thrive within Canada’s vibrant golf sector.
The founding principles and vision for a new charitable foundation under the NGCOA Canada’s stewardship was first introduced during the 2024 Golf Business Canada Conference and Trade Show in Calgary. The concept was embraced with positive feedback from hundreds of delegates – many of them making their preliminary pledge to contribute.
With the recent CRA approval, the NGCOA Canada Foundation is now able to issue tax receipts for donations, which will strengthen its ability to grow and sustain an impact in the years ahead.
“The NGCOA Canada Foundation represents the heart of our industry — people helping people,” said Jeff Calderwood, NGCOA Canada CEO and foundation advisor. “We’re proud to officially launch this charitable organization that not only supports the community but also demonstrates how the Canadian golf industry gives back”.
Administration of the new foundation is managed on a separate and discreet basis by the NGCOA Canada from its offices in Ottawa and is governed by an independent Board of Directors and set of by-laws, ensuring that all requests for support are managed with compassion, integrity and confidentiality.
NGCOA Canada Foundation invites golf course owners, suppliers, and individuals across the country to join in its mission by volunteering or contributing financially. The new foundation will begin its fundraising efforts at the upcoming Golf Business Canada Conference in Niagara Falls, November 18-20.
For more information on the NGCOA Canada Foundation, to donate, or to learn about upcoming initiatives, please visit ngcoacanadafoundation.ca.
About NGCOA Canada
The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the business of golf in Canada. Representing more than 1,500 member facilities nationwide, NGCOA Canada provides advocacy, education, marketing, operational resources to help golf course owners and operators succeed, as well as philanthropic support.
Media Contact:
Jeff Calderwood
Chief Executive Officer - NGCOA Canada
jcalderwood@ngcoa.ca
613-220-0444
www.ngcoa.ca
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