The parents of a young boy who died from a dangerous strain of E. coli four years ago are using the tragedy to ensure others are living life to the Max.
Dave and Amber Robinson have been hosting an annual golf tournament in their son Max’s honour to raise money to buy a life support machine for the Alberta Children’s Hospital, where their son spent his last days, in a family fun day.
The event was held at Crystal Ridge Golf Club for its fourth year on June 9, drawing 167 golfers and raising more than $40,000.
“This day for us is a really fun day,” said Amber. “It’s about the fun and coming together, it’s not meant to be sad. Max loved it when everyone came together so that’s the idea.”
The Max Robinson Children’s Foundation, through its silent auction, raffles and golf tournament, raised $25,000 in its first year, $37,000 in its second and $41,000 in its third, bringing its four year total to more than $143,000.
It’s enough to purchase a $125,000 life support machine for the hospital’s paediatric unit.
In June 2015, Max was diagnosed with a dangerous strain of E. coli after becoming ill with flu-like symptoms. The six-year-old academic who loved sports was admitted to the children’s hospital and passed away a week later.
To pay tribute to the caring and compassionate hospital staff and in thanks to the life support machine that kept Max alive in his final hours, the family decided to touch the lives of others by giving back.
In the meantime, the Robinsons are destined to make it fun. That’s where the Max Robinson Children’s Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament comes in.
“The big thing is seeing the kids out there enjoying themselves,” said Dave. “There are 60 people out there now laughing and hollering and having fun. That’s awesome.”
Support for the foundation is evident in the number of volunteers who help put the tournament together year after year.
“For days, our house was full of people helping out and wrapping gift baskets,” said Dave. “We have 15 dedicated volunteers that have been at our house every night. Everybody pulls together with decorating and for the auction.”
New this year, the Robinsons placed seedlings on tables they decorated in green, Max’s favourite colour, during the brunch for people to take home and plant.
“They can plant the tree and have something to think about in Max’s memory,” said Dave.
The day’s festivities also included a bubble release and group photo.
Among those supporting the event each year is Kobie Coetzee and her family.
“Max was in class with my oldest daughter so many of the charity things they set up we support,” she said.
Coetzee said her children look forward to playing mini golf at MaxMan’s Mini Golf, which was renamed in honour of Max Robinson, who loved golf.
In addition to getting participants from across western Canada to compete in the Max Robinson Children’s Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament each year, the Robinsons always secure corporate sponsors.
The couple is now selling hats, tank tops, t-shirts and hoodies with its new slogan “Live life to the Max” with all proceeds going to the foundation.
For more details about the foundation go to maxrobinson4kids.com
