For over a decade, it has been raising funds for CMHA initiatives
This article was provided by Home Trust.
Every September, the Tom Trenouth Charity Golf Tournament is a must-attend event in the mortgage industry, bringing together brokers and golf enthusiasts for a full day of friendly competition to raise money for a worthy cause. Since it started 12 years ago, the annual tournament hosted by Home Trust has raised more than $1.2 million dollars for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
“Many people in our industry are affected by mental illness, whether directly or indirectly,” said Brennan Trenouth, residential sales director at Home Trust. “This tournament means that we won’t sit by idly in times of need. We want to be leaders in supporting mental health and mental illness, creating conversations and ending the stigma together.”
The tournament was established in memory of Trenouth’s father, Tom Trenouth, a respected Home Trust executive who was well-known throughout the mortgage industry.
“It’s a celebration of Tom’s life and a way to ensure his legacy lives on,” said Yousry Bissada, Chief Executive Officer at Home Trust. “He was a good friend to many, an amazing father, a family man and a valued member of the Home Trust team. We celebrate Tom’s legacy each year by raising funds for the CMHA because mental health is a universal human right.”
Supporting mental health programs and initiatives
With permission from Tom’s family, Home Trust donates the proceeds of the tournament to support the work and advocacy of CMHA. The alternative lender also takes the extra step of matching the final tally, making the tournament a major fundraising event for CMHA. This year’s tournament alone, held on September 11th, 2024 at the Richmond Hill Golf Club in the Greater Toronto Area, raised an impressive $140,000.
“This tournament means quite a lot to our family,” said Trenouth. “It’s another day that we can remember what my father stood for.”
“I know many people knew my father, but many people didn’t,” he said. “And the one thing I know is that he didn’t need to know you to offer you help. It is an honour that we’ve been able to celebrate his legacy for the last 12 years, and there is comfort in knowing that this tournament is making a huge impact on so many people across Canada.”
The funds raised through the tournament directly support CMHA’s programs, which are crucial in providing mental health services across the country.
“Mental health is increasingly recognized as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being,” said Isabel Pérez-Doherty, National Director for Fund Development at CMHA. “The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for mental health support, as many individuals have experienced heightened stress, anxiety and isolation. “
According to Pérez-Doherty, the tournament plays an important role by highlighting the importance of mental health.
“By promoting mental health awareness, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, reduce stigma and ensure that those in need have access to the resources and support they require,” said Pérez-Doherty. “Awareness also helps advocate for necessary policy and funding changes, ensuring mental health services are adequately prioritized and accessible.
Funds raised by the tournament will also go to help CMHA provide tailored programs, services and support for mental health initiatives.
“The tournament's funds will support crucial projects like community programs, educational campaigns, youth services and crisis support,” said Pérez-Doherty. “These initiatives help expand our reach, improve services and provide vital support for mental health and well-being. They also reflect CMHA's commitment to creating a more supportive and informed society, ensuring that mental health services are accessible and effective for those who need them.”
Raising funds
Trenouth is also quick to highlight the important role that sponsors and donors have played in making the tournament a success.
“Without the incredible generosity of our sponsors, golfers and those that donated, this tournament would not be as successful as it is,” said Trenouth. “We’ve also had sponsors who have supported the tournament since day one. Not only is that touching, but it also shows how impactful this tournament is to our community.”
Donating to CMHA
Home Trust’s annual Tom Trenouth Charity Golf Tournament is an excellent example of how one event can make a significant difference in the community. The event also illustrates how Home Trust continues to champion the importance of mental health awareness in the mortgage sector.
“We have really brought mental health awareness to the forefront of discussions for the last 12 years,” said Trenouth. “At the end of the day, it’s about an industry coming together for something larger than ourselves and ensuring Canadians have the resources they need for their mental health.”
If you are inspired by the impact of this tournament and want to support CMHA's programs and initiatives, you can donate directly on their website at cmha.ca.
