Milton: 18 August 2025: The 10th CIF Golf Charity tournament once again showcased the power of a cause that can attract the most generous participation from the community. As Anil Shah, a past chair of CIF and the dynamic force behind the golf charity for over a decade, pointed out at the reception following the tournament, that helping the families of fallen soldiers in Canada and India, “now expanded to include the families of frontline workers in Canada facing dire circumstances”, has been a critical factor in driving more and more support for the event. CIF Charity golf today stands as the most outstanding and biggest golf event in the Indo Canadian calendar, and Anil Shah clearly can take a bow for transforming the event to be on par with some of the best charity events held anywhere in Canada.
Ritesh Malik, Chair, CIF, listed three reasons for the super success of the CIF Golf Charity Tournament – 1) The cause of helping families of men and women helping both our countries, sometimes sacrificing all. 2) The generous support of so many sponsors, community and volunteers. 3) Anilbhai, the lynchpin that keeps it all together.
As Ritesh noted, the tournament continues to grow in stature and its ability to attract more funding for the cause, as 288 golfers took to the picturesque grounds of the Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton on August 18, 2025. There were many highlights during a hard-fought tournament with a spectacular finale of a Ball Drop raffle by a helicopter hovering 100 feet above on the fairway of Hole no 18.
Anil, popularly known as Anilbhai, mentioned lawyer and community activist, Manoj Pundit, as an original inspiration when starting on the golf charity journey. “I am also inspired by the words of Sparsh Shah, a young motivator who inspired thousands despite his serious disabilities, and a past winner of the CIF Global Indian Award, “I am possible.”
He also thanked the numerous sponsors, CIF members and supporters, and the young volunteers who made it all happen.
Anil Shah also paid tribute to two stalwarts and tireless campaigners on behalf of the Canada India bilateral who passed away recently – Surjit Singh Bhatti and Ajit Someshwar. In an emotional address, Anil recalled the tremendous contributions of Ajit Someshwar, by his friend and business partner. “Without his guidance and help we would not have become what we are today. A fellow dreamer, a man whose presence shaped a chapter in my own life, a man who committed to building a bridge between Canada and India. He leaves behind a legacy that will survive long past our own lives. His spirit will stay in the heart of all who knew him.”
Air Commodore Surjit Singh Bhatti was remembered fondly by the gathering for this bold commitment to the Indo Canadian community as well as his proactive stance for a friendly engagement with India. Bhatti, he pointed out, proved the dictum that ‘True greatness lies not in one’s achievements but in our service to others.’
Honorary Colonel, Hari Pandey, thanked CIF as he received $20,000 cheque from the proceeds of the tournament on behalf of Toronto RCASC, an organization working diligently for the welfare of the families of Canadian armed forces members.
CIF Member, Pradyuman Jhala shared with the guests his efforts at marshaling the resources of volunteers to guide them in community activities. “We are getting a very good response,” he said. He also thanked a key partner in this program, Hanson College.
And the winners and their prizes following the 10th CIF Charity Golf Tournament 2025 are:
Sidewinder: Harkiran Boparai, Gordy Khuman, Naunihal Gill, Anoop Joshi
Copperhead: Seth Syrnyk, Ram R, Derek H, Anthony Pallota
All the sponsors to the event were duly recognized and thanked like Presenting Sponsor Vyas Global Education, Scotia Wealth Management (Platinum Sponsor), Turkish Airlines (Airline Partner), Kagan Shastri (Golf Balls), Manoj Pundit (Carts), Beverage (Milton Ford), Hole In one (InsureU), Tamarind (Oncourse Food), Warraich (Dinner), Helicopter Ball Drop (Money Mint), Sunray Group & Rutherford Jewelers (Silver), Cellular Point (Bronze), Brass Knuckle, Guardian, Martin Daniels, Gelda, Everest, and NB Distillers.
To view more captivating moments from the CIF Golf Tournament 2025, for reception please click here & for tournament photos click here.
