Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Money for Paediatric Department

When Poppy’s 34-year-old son Arron passed away unexpectedly last year, her family wanted to do something special to honour him.

Poppy Gill, an Ultrasound Technician at Guelph General Hospital, says her son, who was a porter at another hospital, loved sports.

“Arron loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, skiing, skating and boating. Many hours were spent on the credit river, which ran behind our house. Playing ice hockey when the water was frozen, and kayaking in the summer. Sports was a massive part of his life.”

Poppy adds that Arron also loved golf.

“When Arron passed, his best friend wanted to host a golf tournament to raise money in honour of Arron” says Poppy.

Although, putting together a golf tournament isn’t an easy task, Poppy says her family wanted something positive to come from Arron’s passing.

“Arron was a very patient, very caring person. We didn’t really realize the impact he had made on people. My sweet boy lived life to the fullest, he did what he loved and enjoyed it. He will never know how much he meant to so many people.”

By hosting a memorial golf tournament in his name, Poppy’s says they hoped to raise money to “put somewhere it would make a difference.”

The golf tournament ended up raising $5,500 that Poppy says her family would like to see go toward equipment needed in the paediatric department at Guelph General. As “Arron loved kids and was really good with them.”

She says Arron spent a lot of time with his cousin, who is autistic and was always very patient with him.

“In the short time Arron had with his nephew Riyaan, Arron absolutely adored every second he spent with him” says Poppy.

She adds that is a big reason for wanting to donate to paediatrics.

“Always an infectious smile on his face and a helping hand for anyone in need. His genuine spirit touched anyone he met. Arron was the kindest and [most] considerate of human beings, a gentle giant as so many have said.”