CNIB and the Gretzky Connection
Early years: the legend begins
The CNIB-Gretzky relationship began more than 25 years ago, in 1980. Wayne, who was 19 at the time, was waiting at Pearson Airport for his ride home to Brantford, Ontario after a hockey game when he saw two teenage boys who were returning to the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind in Brantford. He struck up a conversation with them and, as he spoke, one of the boys interrupted him and said, “I know who you are! You’re Wayne Gretzky, aren’t you?”
Wayne was amazed that this teenager had recognized him just by his voice and even more shocked that this kid knew everything about his career - even though the boy had never seen a hockey game played!
The meeting made a big impression on Wayne, and the outcome was an annual tennis tournament to raise money for CNIB. After 15 years, the focus of the tournament briefly switched to slo-pitch baseball, before becoming the golf tournament that still exists today.
During these years, Wayne also donated more than $200,000 of his own money to CNIB, from speaking engagements and public appearances.
In 1988, Wayne was traded to the Los Angeles Kings and didn’t feel he could work as closely with CNIB as he had in the past. Wayne’s parents, Walter and Phyllis, stepped in for him to retain CNIB as the Gretzky family’s main charity, and the partnership continued to grow.
Switching to golf
In 1995 the first-ever Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Tournament was held in Brantford, Ontario. Today, the Walter Gretzky Golf Classic is held across Canada, in Edmonton, Halifax, Fredericton, London, Brantford and Victoria.
Athletes and celebrities from across Canada participate, and Walter personally attends each event, taking part in auction nights, sponsors’ dinners, donors’ luncheons and media interviews.
It’s worth noting that these golf tournaments raise, on average, a total of $375,000.00 per year for CNIB.
Supporting the students
In 2003 the Gretzky/CNIB Scholarship Program was born, providing annual scholarships to students living with vision loss. Walter plays an active role on the selection committee and also contacts each scholarship recipient personally.
Scoring with the SCORE summer program
The Gretzky family is also involved in the CNIB SCORE Summer Program, for motivated 16- to 18-year-olds with vision loss who are in their final two years of secondary school. Walter personally attends the SCORE closing ceremonies, meeting and chatting with each of the kids who attend.
A proud tradition, hope for the future
CNIB is tremendously proud of the longstanding relationship with the Gretzky family, and honoured that the Gretzkys continue to be so actively involved with CNIB’s commitment to the vision health of all Canadians.
Wayne himself says that he is very pleased that Walter has continued to be so involved with CNIB, and often jokes that his father is more popular in Canada than he is! For more information on Walter Gretzky, visit Fast Facts About Walter Gretzky.