On July 17, under Alberta’s unpredictable skies—where sunshine and hail often shake hands—Catholic Social Services (CSS) stepped onto the greens of the Dorchester Golf Course with more than just golf clubs in hand. Staff from CSS’ Central Region joined the Maskwacis Employment Center’s annual golf tournament to foster relationships and celebrate community.
A Hole-in-One for Engagement
CSS proudly sponsored the first hole of the tournament, offering water, snacks, and plenty of heartfelt conversations to the many golfers who passed through. The welcoming smiles of Wyatt King and Stacie Zimmer, our dynamic ambassadors at hole one, set the tone for a day rooted in generosity and connection. Meanwhile, the dedicated foursome of Christie Newton, Paula Huckerby, Tanis Halback, and Donald Bramfield committed themselves to the full 18-hole experience—proving that CSS shows up for community in every weather and every way.
Weathering All Conditions, Together
In classic Alberta fashion, the skies delivered a dramatic rotation of rain, sunshine, hail, and sunshine again. And yet, spirits never wavered. Each twist in the forecast became another reminder of the resilience and enthusiasm that CSS staff bring to every outreach opportunity. These changing conditions didn’t dampen the joy—it amplified it.
One standout moment from the day came courtesy of the Dorchester Golf Course Manager, Kyle Dorchester, who not only grilled up mouthwatering steaks for everyone, but also shared a piece of his story. Kyle is a former CSS staff member from Wetaskiwin—a beautiful testament to the long-lasting connections fostered by CSS over the years.
Building Bridges
This tournament wasn’t just a golf game—it was a celebration of partnership. CSS takes pride in supporting communities and sees events like this as vital moments to listen, learn, and uplift. The collaboration with the Maskwacis Employment Center exemplifies CSS’s ongoing commitment to walk beside communities with humility and purpose.
The golf tournament reminds us that meaningful community work can happen on fairways as much as in offices or outreach centers. It takes presence, laughter, shared meals, and sometimes a few weather-related adventures to build the relationships that truly matter.
Catholic Social Services continues to lead with heart, compassion, and the deep belief that by showing up, listening, and connecting, we strengthen the fabric of community one hole—and one conversation—at a time.