CASARA Thunder Bay the Beneficiary of Local Charity Golf Tournament

Turnkey Communications, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, hosted a charity golf tournament on September 13th, 2025, directing all the proceeds from the event to CASARA Thunder Bay through the association’s registered charity Northwestern Ontario Air Search and Rescue Association. Turnkey CEO Terry Joseph stated “the relationship between Turnkey and NOASARA began in 2023 when the Godson of one of our Turnkey team members perished in the 2023 air crash near Nakina, Ontario. He was one of the two pilots flying the aircraft. We were very aware of the challenges of the search efforts along with the heart ache that our team member, community and the family of the deceased endured. We were asked if we would participate in a fundraiser for NOASARA to help with needed funding for this great local organization through a golf tournament. We accepted and this has brought our organizations together.” To facilitate changes in the company structure and increase the opportunity for fundraising the golf tournament was relocated from ST. Urhos Golf Course to Emerald Greens Golf Couse which was closer to the city of Tunder Bay. The company also engaged CASARA Thunder Bay in the planning phase requesting the assistance of CASARA Volunteers on tournament day as well as assigning the task of finding a post dinner speaker. Seven (7) CASARA Thunder Bay volunteers attended to assist Turnkey employees with the setup of the donor signs, table placement and prize organization. Emerald Greens provided a sheltered location where a CASARA pop-up display could be erected and tools of the SAR trade could be displayed. Throughout the day CASARA members were able to meet with the golfers and explain to them how we operate within the national SAR organization. The participants were also very fortunate to have Robert Desjardins, Assistant Standards Officer, CASARA Ontario, attend as the post dinner guest speaker.

Seventy-two golfers comprising 18 teams of 4 participated in the tournament while 24 local sponsor companies/individuals who were vendors or clients of Turnkey Communications contributed as sponsor donors. The three companies that comprise Turnkey Communications, Turnkey Construction, Superior Locates and Baylock and Security were also contributors “This event is more than just a great day of golf—it’s about coming together as a community to support the people who are always ready to answer the call when it matters most,” said Louis Grenier, Chief Operations Officer, Turnkey Communications. “We’re honoured to play a part in supporting NOASARA’s incredible volunteers and the vital work they do.”

“We are so happy and proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past 3 years. I had many people that attended say how well it was run and how much fun they had”, said CEO Terry Joseph. “I’ve had had amazing feedback on how many people did not understand what your group does locally and what the CASARA associations do across Canada. We look forward to expanding this tournament even more next year to hopefully be able to give even more funds to help with what is needed to continue CASARA moving forward”.

For three years, Turnkey has proudly partnered with NOASARA to support its mission of ensuring safe and effective emergency response across Northwestern Ontario. Through sponsorships and active participation, Turnkey contributed $3000 in 2023, $10,000 in year 2024, and $17,500 in 2025 for a total 0f $30,500.

Funds received in previous years covered critical hangar infrastructure repairs and maintenance. The funds raised this year are directly supporting NOASARA’s continued mission readiness—by funding costs not covered by an insurance claim for its primary search aircraft, contributing to the future engine rebuild fund for its secondary aircraft, and strengthening hangar infrastructure maintenance to ensure crews are always ready to respond.

The success of this year’s tournament highlights the strength of community partnerships and the collective effort of local businesses, volunteers, and participants. Turnkey remains committed to giving back to the communities where it operates and plans to continue sponsoring CASARA Thunder Bay.

Turnkey Communications is a leading Canadian telecommunications and infrastructure company specializing in fiber optics, private cellular networks, and digital connectivity solutions. Dedicated to innovation and community impact, Turnkey takes pride in supporting initiatives that strengthen and protect the communities it serves.

In recognition of the fundraising success congratulations were sent to Turnkey from CASARA Ontario President Claude Overholt.