Andrew Robinson Golf Tourney raises record amount

October 2, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons

Helping people with addictions is the legacy of the annual Andrew Robinson Golf Tournament.

The 5th golf tournament was held September 13 at Lebovic Golf Club in Aurora. In all, 128 golfers and raised at least $150,000.

“Wow, what a day. The Andrew Robinson Scholarship has now paid for post-secondary education for 8 people in recovery,” said organizer and former Caledon resident Vera Robinson.

Proceeds are shared between the Vitanova and the Andrew Robinson Scholarship.

Two of the recipients spoke during dinner on how this has allowed them to move forward with a brighter future, career and hope.

LIUNA Local 183 and IUOE Local 793 were the presenting sponsors contributing $45,000 between the two of them.

Chris Hadfield was a platinum sponsor and Flair Airlines was the Tournament Sponsor.

Andrew was a victim of the opioid crisis. He was a natural athlete, intelligent young man with hopes and dreams. Andrew was a kind-hearted, well-intentioned sensitive soul who worked hard and volunteered his time to inspire and support others. He passed away in 2020.

According to Vitanova, a facility in Vaughan, “addiction is such a tiny piece of what makes someone who they are. But, like the genie in the lamp, once let loose, it fills all the space in the room and clouds everything else.

“Yes, Andrew died. But he also lived – dear son, a loving family man, a pet parent, a great friend, a champion of the underdog, a sportsman, a union member, and a lifelong learner.

“In the years prior to his passing, Andrew worked hard on his recovery, making plans for achieving some of his life goals, including a university degree. It was out of that interest that the idea for this scholarship was born – to support those in sustained recovery to forge a new path in a field of their choice. What better idea than for him, so passionate about education, to lend a hand to others in this way.

“Andrew Robinson—in life and by legacy – elping others help themselves.”

The Andrew Robinson Memorial Scholarship has two goals: firstly, to honour the life of Andrew Robinson; and secondly, to offer hope for a better life to those with the courage to turn theirs around. The funds from this scholarship will cover tuition costs for those who have sustained their recovery for a minimum of three years and wish to pursue post-secondary education at either college or university.

As the administrator of the Andrew Robinson Memorial Scholarship, The Vitanova Foundation thanks all donors, both online and offline.

For more information, write to them at info@vitanova.ca or visit vitanova.ca.