“You’ll know it was all worth it”: Taking a swing at fundraising

“I’ve seen what this community can do when we rally together and I believe we’re just getting started,” Mike Ambrose Jr. says as he looks forward to the second year of his community fundraiser, the Mike Ambrose Sr. Golf Tournament. Mike Jr. was inspired by the strength of his father, Mike Sr., who lives with ALS. Spending time in the outdoors has always brought their family together in a place where they thrive, and the success of the 2024 Tournament has motivated him to organize the event a second time. “Last year showed us the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together.”

The fundraiser has been a way for Mike Jr. to support his father and the thousands of Canadians living with ALS. It highlights the importance of community for families when navigating an ALS diagnosis. When faced with a challenge, Mike Jr. was drawn to create this event by the thought of his dad “surrounded by people who love him, knowing he’s not fighting this alone.” It follows Mike Sr.’s legacy of supporting family to rally around a cause to help others. “My dad is the kind of man everyone wants in their corner. He’s the guy who lights up a room with his smile and makes everyone feel at ease with his sense of humour and generosity. He’s kind and fiercely loyal, a man who has always shown up for his family.” This fundraiser is another opportunity for the family to stand by him, as he has for them for so long, and in turn have friends and local businesses rally around the family.

When organizing a community fundraising event, there are many routes to take – from bake sales to community runs. For the Ambrose family, deciding to host a golf tournament was the clear choice. For Mike Jr., the golf course has been a second home for him – a place where he can find joy and relax. Seeing an opportunity to utilize a space that has brought him comfort to help other individuals affected by ALS, Mike Jr. created the event to not only financially support critical community services and ALS research, but also to unite the strength of the community.

As the family navigates the unpredictable nature of the disease, Sherry, Mike Sr.’s wife, has emerged as the backbone of the family, “She is the definition of strength and compassion.”   Right by Mike’s side, Sherry researches, asks questions, and looks for new ways to ensure her husband has the best care possible with support from ALS Canada. In 2024, the first year of the Mike Ambrose Sr. Golf Tournament, the family had set a fundraising goal of $5,000, which they surpassed quickly, raising more than $15,000. Back again, for 2025, they aim to hit their goal of $10,000, in the hope of supporting families impacted by ALS through vital ALS research and community services. The Ambrose family also strives to encourage conversation and bring awareness to the disease, “ALS can feel invisible until it’s in your life. We want to change that.”

“Just do it” is Mike Jr.’s message for anyone thinking about running a community fundraising event. “When you’re standing at your event, looking out at all the people who came together to support your loved one, you’ll know it was all worth it. That moment, for me, is something I’ll carry forever.” If you are interested in starting your own fundraiser, visit the ALS Canada Community Fundraising Events page to explore your options.