My journey to being a member of the Tee’d Off at Breast Cancer is almost a full circle event. I moved to Kamloops in 1975 to commence my 46 year journey in Laboratory Science. I spent 43 years working in Pathology, with a particular interest in breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. During my working experience, I was involved in the diagnostic and prognostic aspect of preparing of breast biopsies. When I retired, I thought I had left my passion for good but then life took a turn of events. It was approximately 2 years later after retiring, I met and worked with Trish on a golf tournament and learned of her diagnosis and her brave journey. When it was present to me, that I could continue to contribute to my passion in a different form, I could not say no. I am honoured to worked on this committee to help bring awareness to breast cancer and to raise money to support breast cancer research.

Coming Soon....

Hello! My name is Linda Havers, and I am thrilled to serve as secretary / director for the Tee’d Off At Breast Cancer Society. Being part of this charity golf tournament means the world to me – especially as we honour my friend, Trish Sallaway, whose strength continues to inspire us all. This event supports a cause that has touched so many of our lives, and I am proud to help bring it to life alongside a very dedicated committee. These incredible friends have given their time and energy with heart and purpose. I couldn’t be more grateful to work alongside them. I am a prairie girl by heart, growing up in Saskatchewan, but Sun Rivers is my home. I have lived in this community for over 10 years. While you won’t see me swinging a club on September 26 at my local golf course, Bighorn Golf & Country Club, you will find me behind the scenes making sure things run smoothly, and that you, our supporters, have a memorable day. Thank you for being part of something that truly makes a difference. I can’t wait to meet you on the course as we come together – for hope.

Born and raised in Vancouver BC, Joanne’s early working years were positions within the banking world gaining her concrete knowledge in customer service. A move to Merritt in 1985 created the opportunity to work with her family in a growing and successful construction business. Over the years she played a key role in the day-to-day operations, positions including AP, AR, Payroll, administrating a company benefit plan along with commercial insurance. Currently with life now in Kamloops BC, days are filled with some volunteer time with the local ladies’ golf club, golfing and generally enjoying retired life. Having the opportunity to work with a great group of people, collaborating ideas, with an end result in raising needed funds towards breast cancer research is truly rewarding!

I was born in Calgary and moved with my family to Cochrane, Alberta at the age of 4 years. I was a hands-on young girl, working on my family's dairy farm, participated in and then lead the local 4-H club. After graduating from high school I went into Nursing at the Foothills Hospital School of Nursing in Calgary and stayed working there as an Assistant Head Nurse on a medical unit. I moved into Infection Prevention and Control in 1987 and worked until my retirement in 2002. I volunteered consistently during my time in Calgary, with fundraising for the Calgary Science Centre and years of volunteering at my daughter’s schools being highlights. I moved to Kamloops with my husband in 2017. We joined the Bighorn G&CC, and I soon found myself volunteering with the Ladies Golf Committee. It is in this capacity I was fortunate enough to meet Trish Sallaway and learnt of her battle with breast cancer. I am so pleased to be part of the Tee’d Off at Breast Cancer Society, as it has provided me a new charitable focus but more importantly an avenue to support breast cancer research. In memory of Trish, let’s make this tournament a great success!

I was born in the Cariboo and grew up in Quesnel, B.C. In 2003, I moved to Kamloops with my young family. We were attracted to Kamloops as it provided greater opportunities for us to be close to family, to focus on our careers, and to provide our children with opportunities that were unavailable in Northern B.C. As a licensed Optician and Contact Lens Fitter, I partnered with IRIS to open and grow a successful optometric practice here in Kamloops. While still involved as an owner, I have recently retired from the day-to-day operations of this practice. This leaves me with more time to be involved in wonderful non-profit charities like Tee’d Off at Breast Cancer. When Trish and Gary moved to Sunrivers, we connected as neighbours and friends. I witnessed the heartache of Trish’s battle with breast cancer and I am proud to be involved with a charity that focuses on research and keeps all monies earned in B.C. I am grateful for the opportunity to support my community, and look forward to meeting those of you who join us for our inaugural event!

Mike Smith is a passionate leader in both sport and community development. As a General Partner at Bighorn Golf Course, he combines his love for the game with a commitment to creating top-tier golf experiences, making him a natural fit as Tournament Director. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of event planning help ensure every tournament is memorable and meaningful. Beyond the golf course, Mike has been a dedicated volleyball coach for over 20 years and continues to mentor young athletes at South Kamloops Secondary. He also serves as a Director with KidSport Kamloops, championing access to sport for all children, regardless of financial means. Mike’s long-standing commitment to youth sports and community involvement is reflected in every aspect of his work.

Hi I’m Jim Choppen I’m very happy to call Kamloops home since 2010. Previously I spent over 50 years in Edmonton. My involvement with the “Teed Off At Breast Cancer” Charity Golf Tournament came about when I was asked by friends in my amazing community of Sun Rivers to join them in this inaugural event. I felt compelled in being a part of such a worthy cause especially after witnessing my sister battle this disease on 3 separate occasions. I’m happy to say she is a SURVIVOR. As an account executive with the Kamloops Blazers, I’ve been fortunate to have many business connections that have generously supported this tournament. As we know with this support charity tournaments flourish & allow us to raise the needed dollars that go back into our community & I’m happy all of the proceeds from this Tourney are staying in B.C. I want to thank everyone who can be a part of this fundraising experience whether you are a golf participant, a donor or a sponsor, all proceeds are greatly appreciated. We look forward to making this day on Sept 26 th .  be one to remember & set the bar for more tournaments to come!