Our Annual Event
Tournament of Hope Randy Hepditch Golf Memorial
The 2026 Tournament of Hope takes place on Wednesday, June 17, at the Beaverdale Golf Club.
Proceeds from the Tournament of Hope go towards the ILWR Access Fund, which helps individuals with disabilities purchase assistive devices, adapted technology, and medical equipment.
In 2025, ILWR and the Tournament of Hope lost a member of our extended family. Randy Hepditch was the inspiration for, and original recipient of, the first tournament almost 30 years ago. Each year, Randy would attend the day of the Tournament. His mother, Linda Carmichael, was a vital part of the Tournament for many years, and his stepfather, Gerard, continues to support the Organizing committee. In honour of Randy, his family, and the passionate dedication of the original Tournament of Hope volunteers, ILWR is henceforth renaming the Tournament of Hope as the “Tournament of Hope Randy Hepditch Golf Memorial.”
In 2026, ILWR will support 20 individuals with approximately $60,000 in funds! To date, the Access Fund has helped more than 360 individuals purchase equipment totaling more than $890,000!!!
Registration is $135 per golfer, which includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart, dinner, and an evening program.
History of the Tournament of Hope
About the event
Established in 1997 by former Kitchener-Waterloo area United Way CEO John Thompson, the event has been helping disabled individuals purchase assistive devices, adapted technology, and medical equipment for 25 years.
The first event had a single focus: to help Randy Hepditch, an individual with a disability living in Waterloo Region, and his family purchase a wheelchair accessible van. Out of that event grew ILWR’s Access Fund, which to date, has helped more than 360 individuals purchase equipment totaling more than $890,000!!!
While the Tournament of Hope isn’t the Access Fund’s only funding sponsor, it remains the largest. Original recipient Randy Hepditch’s parents, Gerard and Linda Carmichael, still volunteer for the event every year.
Get involved
How you can help
Become a
Sponsor
With a full field of over 130 golfers, it is also a great opportunity to promote your company and its support for the community. Sponsorship levels include Presenter, Supporter, Cart, Event, and Hole.
Donate to Our Silent Auction
As a donating business, your company information will be displayed to help promote your goods and services.
Donations can include products, services, and gift cards.
Become a
Volunteer
Opportunities range from helping with registration to assisting at one of our specialty holes. It is a great way to help your community and enjoy the sunshine while supporting a worthwhile cause.