Victoria Gold Corp. raised $80,000 for Every Student, Every Day (ESED) thanks to its recent fifth annual charity golf tournament.

The ESED program is operated by the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society.

It’s designed to support projects that help curb the high rates of school absenteeism and to increase Yukon student attendance and engagement.

“This tournament raised a record amount of funds for Every Student, Every Day,” society president Tara Christie said Tuesday.

“Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our donors and community partners who continue to support this cause that’s close to their hearts.

“This year, we were able to further increase our funding contribution from $300,000 to $350,000 for the 2023-24 school year for Yukon schools, school councils and First Nations governments,” Christie added.

“The funds raised at this tournament will allow us to continue to increase our funding and connect with the communities to support their projects to increase student attendance.”

“Once again, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yukon community in supporting the Every Student, Every Day charity,” said John McConnell, Victoria Gold’s president and CEO.

“With 24 teams and an increase of 25 per cent more sponsors from last year, we are extremely pleased with the result,” he added.

“These dollars will make a recognizable difference to support attendance programs for Yukon’s children and youth.”

Held at the Meadow Lakes Golf Club in Whitehorse, the event welcomed more than 130 guests with the support of more than 50 sponsors and numerous volunteers.

A special highlight of this year’s tournament was the Hawaiian theme with diverse sponsor-led contests at various holes which helped contribute to the monies raised at the event.

The tournament was a tropical extravaganza complete with island music and an epic pig roast.

ESED is committed to giving back to children and youth in Yukon communities through various programs and partnerships.

Since 2012, it has:

• donated more than $1.85 million towards projects focused on helping address student attendance challenges;

• supported more than 200 projects designed to help assist Yukon schools and communities with initiatives to remove barriers and encourage increased engagement and a greater sense of belonging at school; and

• Contributed toward helping improve graduation rates in the Yukon.

The society was established in 2012 to help address student attendance challenges in the Yukon and raise funds that individual schools and communities can apply for to pursue local solutions that support student success.

The society is supported through annual fundraising events and donations from individual and corporate donors from around the world.

The next fundraising event, the Northern Lights Gala, will be held Sept. 23.