There’s a different kind of energy in the studio when someone walks in carrying a story that matters. That’s exactly what happened at Country 105 when Peter Collins, CEO of Chi Mino Ozhitoowin, stopped by to talk about a community event that’s quickly becoming a summer staple: the Healing Energy Golf Classic, presented by Halow as the Building Futures Sponsor.

If you know Thunder Bay, you know Peter. Many remember him as the former Chief of Fort William First Nation, but for almost four years now he’s been working in the private sector – and loving it. What hasn’t changed is his commitment to community. “We’re contributing back,” he said. “It’s important for us to be a part of the community and help out where we can.” And that’s exactly what this tournament is built on.

This year marks the second annual Healing Energy Golf Classic, happening June 11th at Whitewater Golf Club. Last year’s event sold out in just a couple of weeks, and this year is shaping up the same way. Twenty‑eight teams are already registered, and more were calling in while Peter was on the air. The excitement is real – but the heart behind it is even bigger.

One of the key recipients of the tournament is the Underground Gym, run by the legendary Peter Panetta. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the impact he’s had on young people for decades. Collins joked that Panetta drives around in “an old rackety bus hauling kids around the city,” but behind the humour is a serious truth: the Underground Gym is always stretched thin, always helping, always needed. Supporting them was an easy choice.

But the reach of this tournament goes far beyond Thunder Bay. Chi Mino Ozhitoowin works with seven communities across Northwestern Ontario, including Dryden and Fort Frances. The organizations chosen as recipients all support youth dealing with addiction, mental health challenges, and street‑level struggles – issues that affect the entire region. This isn’t a Thunder Bay‑only problem, and this isn’t a Thunder Bay‑only event. It’s for everyone.

And there’s still room to get involved. While team spots are nearly full, there are six or seven hole sponsorships still available. Anyone interested can reach out at golf@cmo-fn.ca, where Christy or Ginger will get you set up. Sponsorship dollars go directly toward helping youth across the region, and last year’s recipients were deeply grateful for the support.

Collins didn’t get to play last year – knee replacement recovery will do that – but he’s back in form this time around. “No excuses,” he laughed. And honestly, that’s the spirit of the whole event: show up, have fun, and make a difference.

The Healing Energy Golf Classic isn’t just a tournament. It’s a regional effort to build brighter futures, strengthen communities, and support the young people who need it most. And if the early buzz is any indication, year two is going to be something special.