Honoring the legacy of John Patrick McManaman: McManaman family, Golf for Kids, and UVic collaborate to support aspiring students

IIn a new partnership, the McManaman family, Golf for Kids and the University of Victoria (UVic) have established a tribute to the late John Patrick McManaman. Starting in September 2023, an endowment created on behalf of the McManaman family will be awarded annually to an undergraduate student at UVic’s Gustavson School of Business who is pursuing their Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation.

Golf for Kids, a Victoria-based fundraising organization dedicated to assisting local children in need, is proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary on September 9. Established in 1997 as an initiative aimed at raising funds to aid a single young girl, the event has evolved into a formidable force, accumulating a total of $9.5 million in donations for various local children’s charities. This year’s upcoming event, presented by Don Mann Excavating Ltd., part of the Mann Group of Companies, is expected to raise an additional $1 million.

John McManaman, a pivotal figure in the establishment of Golf for Kids in 1997 and the organization’s long-serving treasurer, was born in Penticton before later settling in Victoria in 1966. Remembered as an exceptional and talented athlete, John played varsity sport for UVic and subsequently earned his chartered accountant designation.

The endowment and award pay tribute to John’s impact on Golf for Kids, his lifelong love of athletics and his commitment to supporting future accountants.

“We are honored to collaborate with the University of Victoria and establish this meaningful partnership in memory of John Patrick McManaman. As event organizers for Golf for Kids, our primary goal has always been to support local children in need, and this partnership allows us to extend that support to aspiring students at UVic,” says Dale Douglas and Murray Stewart, Golf for Kids co-founders. “We are grateful to the McManaman family for their trust and generosity, and we believe that through this initiative, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of deserving students as they pursue their academic and professional dreams.”

The McManaman family expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate John’s legacy through the establishment of the award.

“Our family is very grateful to our friends at Golf for Kids for generously funding this award so that we may continue to celebrate and honour John’s legacy and his true passion for helping others.”

The award will be given to a UVic student in their third or fourth year, recognizing their exceptional dedication to their studies, community sport and their active pursuit of the CPA designation.

To learn more about how to apply for the award, please visit uvic.ca. For additional information about Golf for Kids, go to gol orkids.net