August 13, 2008/- NHL star and Kingston native Bryan Allen and local golfers have raised more than $7,400 for Hotel Dieu Hospital’s Child Development Centre (CDC). A defenseman with the Florida Panthers, Allen’s annual tournament has now raised more than $34,000 during the past six years.

The proceeds from the Bryan Allen Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be included in the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation’s Together We Can campaign.

“We’re pleased to have Bryan and his friends on our team as we raise money for  our hospitals,” said Campaign Chair Ian Wilson. “We’re very grateful that Bryan and the others at the golf tournament have recognized the important work the CDC does at Hotel Dieu Hospital.”

The money raised from this year’s tournament will once again support the Child Development Centre’s Chances for Children Trust Fund, a fund that provides financial assistance to families facing the high cost of purchasing special equipment for children with disabilities.

“We want to thank all the people who made our golf tournament such a success, and we want to encourage everyone in the community to support the Together We Can campaign for our hospitals,” said Bryan Allen and his father Nigel, who organized the event. “Whether you support the Child Development Centre or hospital redevelopment, you’re helping the people of this community. Please give generously.”

CDC serves children and youth with physical disabilities and preschoolers with developmental delay. This includes children with multiple special needs such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and Down Syndrome. Last year, more than 1,000 children were registered with the CDC.

This year’s tournament was held on July 12th at the Camden Braes Golf Club and was spearheaded by Alley's O.V. Lob Ball team.

Left to right: Marianne McLure, Child Development Centre; Vicki Johnston, Director Child Development Centre; Bryan Allen; Nigel Allen, Bryan’s dad.; and Sharron Allen, Bryan’s mom.