Marking 15 Years of Impact, the Annual Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Golf Tournament Is Renamed The Gino Berretta Classic

Milestone fundraising event supports a new Emergency Call System that will enhance patient safety and emergency response capabilities.

For 15 years, the annual Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Golf Tournament has brought together sponsors, donors, volunteers and community leaders in support of specialized pediatric care.

This year's sold-out event marked an important milestone, celebrating the tournament's lasting impact while announcing an exciting new chapter in its history. Going forward, the tournament will be known as The Gino Berretta Classic, honouring an individual whose leadership, generosity and dedication have helped shape the event into one of Canada's premier charitable golf tournaments.

Supporting Patient Safety When It Matters Most

The focus of this year's fundraising efforts was a new Emergency Call System, a critical investment in patient safety that will strengthen emergency response capabilities throughout the hospital. The campaign successfully achieved its fundraising goal, ensuring this important project can proceed.

The system will help patients and families quickly access assistance while enabling healthcare teams to coordinate faster, more effective responses during urgent situations. Designed to enhance communication and improve response times, the technology represents an important step forward in ensuring the safest possible environment for children receiving specialized care.

For children and families navigating medical treatment, peace of mind is invaluable. Beyond the technology itself, the new Emergency Call System reflects Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care.

Theodore's Story Reflects the Impact of Giving

This year's event also highlighted the inspiring journey of Patient Ambassador Theodore, the 2026 Face of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Golf Tournament.

Born with spina bifida, Theodore has been receiving care at the hospital since childhood. Today, the 17-year-old is a double elite athlete representing Team Quebec in wheelchair basketball and para hockey, with aspirations of one day competing for Team Canada.

His story is a powerful reminder of the impact made possible through donor generosity and access to specialized pediatric care.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

The 15th anniversary tournament also marked a significant fundraising milestone, reflecting the extraordinary generosity of sponsors, donors, participants and volunteers who continue to support the hospital's mission year after year.

While milestones are measured in dollars, their true value is found in the lives they touch. The success of this year's tournament reflects the collective commitment of a community whose support continues to open doors, create possibilities and help children achieve their fullest potential.

“Fifteen years. Countless lives changed. Thank you to everyone whose generosity continues to give children the care and the future they deserve,” said Chad Polito, director, office of philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada.

A New Name for a Lasting Legacy

One of the highlights of the day was the announcement that the annual golf tournament will officially become The Gino Berretta Classic.

The renaming recognizes Berretta's longstanding contributions to the event and his commitment to supporting children and families through philanthropy and community leadership.

“Gino, thank you for seeing the potential of what this tournament could become long before anyone else did. You inspired sponsors to invest, volunteers to give their time, committee members to work tirelessly, and golfers to become champions for children in need,” said Ciro Cucciniello, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada.

Who Is Gino Berretta?

A dedicated member of the Shriners International fraternity since 1978, Gino Berretta has played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada for decades. He served on the hospital's Board of Governors since 2008, including two years as Chairman (2014-2016) and was instrumental in several transformative initiatives that have shaped the organization.

Among his many contributions, Berretta helped lead the Exceptional Care for Exceptional Kids Campaign, which raised more than $130 million in support of the hospital's future. He was also instrumental in the Capital Campaign for the construction of the new Montreal hospital and helped establish and sustain several signature fundraising events, including the annual golf tournament.

Building on a Legacy

As The Gino Berretta Classic enters a new era, it does so with the same spirit of generosity and community support that has defined the tournament for the past 15 years.

“The importance of the event is that, with the help of donors and sponsors, we’re actually managing to achieve tangible goals for the hospital. We did it. We raised enough funds with a single event to purchase the system and practically improve the quality of service at the hospital,” said Ben Lipowitz, 2026 golf committee co-chair.

From supporting critical patient safety initiatives like the new Emergency Call System to helping young people like Theodore pursue their ambitions, the tournament's impact extends far beyond a single day on the golf course.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, sponsors, volunteers and donors, that impact will continue for years to come.