ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — First Tee – Atlantic is proud to recognize the generosity of James and Chris Goodridge, whose passion for golf and commitment to giving back continues to make a meaningful impact in their local community.
Directly supporting First Tee programming in Newfoundland and Labrador, JMG Legacy Inc., represented by the Goodridge brothers, donated $3,500 to First Tee – Atlantic, helping provide young people with opportunities to build confidence, character and life skills through golf.
The donation is part of a larger charitable initiative that James and Chris created through hosting annual golf pools around golf’s four major championships and The Players Championship.
What began as a friendly Masters pool among colleagues more than a decade ago has grown into something extraordinary. James, now Director of Investor Relations, Business Development and Capital Markets at Fortis Inc., was among a group of Deloitte co-workers who launched the original Masters pool in 2008. Over the years, participation increased dramatically and additional tournaments were added.
Alongside his brother Chris, a St. John’s-based lawyer, James transformed the golf pools into a registered non-profit organization called JMG Legacy Inc., named after their late mother, Janet Murphy Goodridge. A passionate advocate for maternal and infant health care, Janet’s legacy of compassion continues through her sons’ charitable work.
Featured in The Globe and Mail this year, the Goodridge brothers’ story highlights how their golf pools have grown to thousands of participants across Canada. Over the last two years, the initiative has raised $115,000 for community organizations and charitable causes such as Kids Eat Smart, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Easter Seals, Bridges to Hope, Special Olympics, several community programs and a scholarship in their late mother’s memory.
For James and Chris, the success of the golf pools is about much more than competition. As James noted in a Globe and Mail feature, the initiative remains “a labour of love.”
First Tee – Atlantic is grateful to be among the organizations benefiting from their generosity. The Goodridge brothers’ support will help introduce more young people in St. John’s to golf while reinforcing the positive values that are at the heart of First Tee programming.
“Community support from individuals like James and Chris is vital to the growth of First Tee programming in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Steve Healy, development officer of First Tee – Atlantic. “We’re incredibly thankful for their generosity and for the positive example they are setting by using their shared love of golf to create opportunities for young people.” On behalf of the participants, coaches and families who benefit from First Tee programming, thank you, James and Chris, for helping empower the next generation through golf.
