PRESS RELEASE: 14th Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Youth and Community Fundraiser Surpasses $1M in Total Funds Raised
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, January 14, 2025 – Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison today announced that the 2024 Tofino Saltwater Classic Fundraiser netted an additional $200,000 to support youth and community programs, bringing total funds raised by the event to more than $1,000,000. Proceeds from the Tofino Saltwater Classic support more than twenty Tofino community beneficiaries, with the lion’s share of funds going to the Wickaninnish School PAC Healthy Food and Literacy Programs.
The 2024 Tofino Saltwater Classic welcomed more than 76 anglers from across North America to participate in the catch-and-release tournament portion of the event. Only measured and released fish were considered for Chinook prizes, while retained and weighed halibut could also be entered.
Winners and prizes were:
TOP CHINOOK (19.7 POUNDS)
Brant Stone | Prize $4,000
Charter: Tonquin Charters
Guide: John Nikiforuk
2nd PLACE CHINOOK (19.3 POUNDS)
The Strongman Group | Prize $2,000
Charter: Coastal Charters
Guide: Brin Townsley-Smith
3rd PLACE CHINOOK (19.0 POUNDS)
The Strongman Group | Prize $1,000
Charter: Coastal Charters
Guide: Brin Townsley-Smith
LARGEST HALIBUT (30.6 POUNDS)
Brad Benini | Prize $1,500
Charter: Lucky Strike
Guide: Rob Frawley
“BIGGEST FISH IN TOWN” Local Business Challenge Award
Largest Chinook amongst registered local businesses (17.9 POUNDS)
Angler: Elizabeth Brown | Prize $500 plus bragging rights!
Business”: Wickaninnish Inn
Charter: Bobby Kimoto
2024 Tofino Saltwater Classic Top Chinook Winner Brant Stone with the event’s founder and host, Brendan Morrison.
“Reaching the million-dollar mark in total funds raised is a meaningful milestone for the Tofino Saltwater Classic volunteer team, and all the anglers, businesses, and Tofino locals who have supported our efforts over the past 14 years,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic founder, Brendan Morrison. “Our efforts help many meaningful organizations and causes, and we are looking forward to adding to the success of the event next year and beyond.”
The Tofino Saltwater Classic upheld its cherished tradition by kicking off with a volunteer-led ball hockey game at Tofino’s Wickaninnish School, a key beneficiary of the fundraiser. Hosted by Brendan Morrison, the event welcomed kids of all ages and, for the first time, featured professional athletes Tyson Barrie, Mark McMorris, and Mike Smith, representing the Power to Give Foundation. Their participation delighted over seventy children, youth, and their families, who enjoyed an exciting game followed by a selection of healthy snacks generously provided by the Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild.
In addition to participant registration fees, the 2024 Tofino Saltwater Classic raised funds with an online auction, and by private donations from Tofino residents and business owners from around the province.
The 2025 Tofino Saltwater Classic will be held from July 5-6.
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com
The Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison as a community fundraiser. Since its inception in 2009, the Tofino Saltwater Classic has raised funds via the event’s registration fees and silent auction, coupled with private donations from Tofino residents and business owners from around the province and across North America. All proceeds from the derby have supported Tofino community initiatives including:
- Wickaninnish Community School PAC Healthy Food Program
- Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society
- Tofino Hospital Foundation
- Tofino Recreation Commission
- Westcoast Multiplex Society
- Raincoast Education Society
- Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Society
- St. Francis of Assisi Women’s Support Program
- Community Children's Centre
- Tofino Volunteer Fire Department
- Tofino Community School Program