The first Grand Erie Learning Open raised more than $40,000 for students in Brantford and surrounding communities. The sold-out golf tournament took place on August 5 at MontHill Golf and Country Club in Caledonia, with more than 140 golfers taking part.
The event was presented by Hallex Engineering and supported the Grand Erie Learning Foundation. The foundation, launched in February, raises money to help students and schools across the district. Funds from the tournament will go to the Ready-to-Learn Fund and School Grants.
Those programs help remove barriers for students. They cover emergency needs, add well-being resources, and make more learning experiences possible. Grand Erie District School Board serves more than 28,000 students in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Board Chair Brian Doyle and Director of Education and CEO Dr. JoAnna Roberto both attended the event. They confirmed the Learning Open is planned as an annual tradition. “The goal was to build an event that directly translated into meaningful resources for students and schools,” said Raf Wyszynski, Superintendent of Business and Chair of the Learning Open Planning Committee. “Seeing months of planning culminate in a sold-out course, incredible silent auction donations, and such high energy from every participant exceeded all our expectations.”
The day included longest drive and closest to the pin contests. Imperial Stone Masonry took first place. More than 30 corporate sponsors from engineering, construction, and environmental sectors backed the event.
“The Learning Open was always meant to be more than just a day on the golf course. It’s designed as an investment in our students’ futures,” said Dr. Roberto. “This inaugural event has established a foundation for an annual tradition, strengthening community connections and empowering learners across Grand Erie for years to come.”
