TORONTO — At its Annual Charity Golf Classic yesterday TravelBrands presented a cheque for a whopping $553,000 to the SickKids Foundation.

After TravelBrands raised $278,000 for the SickKids Cardiac Operating Room, the rail-based transportation company CP agreed to match TravelBrands’ donation up to $275,000. The generosity of all involved added up to a total donation of $553,000 for SickKids.

The cheque was announced and presented to SickKids at the end of yesterday’s TravelBrands’ Annual Charity Golf Classic at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Vaughan, ON.

“After we reached our million dollar goal, our team wanted to make sure this year was just as memorable. I am so thrilled that CP agreed to match our donation allowing us to give back even more to such a meaningful cause,” said Frank DeMarinis, CEO, TravelBrands. “I would like to thank our dedicated partners, suppliers, staff and CP for making this year’s golf tournament a huge success. It is with your help that this is possible. I cannot wait to see what next year holds.”

Yesterday morning’s cloudy start soon gave way to a brilliant clear blue sky and participants at the TravelBrands Annual Charity Golf Classic enjoyed a caesar bar, mechanical bull ride, putting contest and more. Guests also saw a helicopter ball drop and were treated to a massage station.

Dinner was hosted by emcee and voice of Toronto Raptors, Jack Armstrong. There was both a live and silent auction with prizes including cruise vacations, a signed Raptors jersey, resort stays and more. Armstrong also announced on-course giveaways and golfer prizes.

All proceeds will be contributed towards the SickKids Cardiac Operating Room to help improve the cutting edge space and ultimately, improve the lives of patients, says the company.

TravelBrands has hosted events year-round for this initiative, including an employee 5km walk, participation in the Mississauga Dragon Boat festival, donating a percentage of sales and offering future travel vouchers to clients who donate.

While yesterday’s TravelBrands Annual Charity Golf Classic was the company’s last charitable event for 2019, more information about TravelBrands’ 2020 golf tournament and other upcoming charitable initiatives will be available soon.