PRESS RELEASE: 15th Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fundraiser Reels in $200K

Total Funds Raised to Date for Youth and Community Initiatives Surpasses $1.2M

Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, August 18, 2025 – Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Brendan Morrison today announced that the 2025 Tofino Saltwater Classic Fundraiser, held in July on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, secured an additional $200K to support a variety of youth and community programs. Total funds raised by the event since its inception in 2010 exceed $1.2M with all proceeds benefitting more than twenty local initiatives including the Wickaninnish School PAC Healthy Food and Literacy Programs—the event’s largest beneficiaries.

In addition to fishing derby participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raises funds with an online auction, a benefit concert (this year featuring country music duo The County Line,) and by private donations from Tofino residents and business owners from around the province. The event is also supported by business and individual sponsors including Gas N Go,  The Wickaninnish Inn, Hooked on Miracles, Tofino Resort and Marina, Shelter Restaurant, Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Power to Give Foundation, Surfside Grill, and Heather and John Livingston.

Recognizing and celebrating the town’s families, the popular “Brendan Morrison and Friends Ball Hockey Tournament” (an annual, volunteer-led contest for kids of all ages) and the “Kids Dock Fishing” experience that welcomed more than 40 young anglers, were 2025 Tofino Saltwater Classic event highlights.

Supported by many local fishing guides, the 2025 Tofino Saltwater Classic derby winners and prizes were:

TOP CHINOOK (23.5 POUNDS):

Mark McKeough | Prize $5,000 
Charter: Tonquin Charters
Guide: Pablo Palma

2ND PLACE CHINOOK (19.9 POUNDS):

Chris Nelson | Prize $3,000 
Charter: Tonquin Charters
Guide: John Nikiforuk

3RD PLACE CHINOOK (18.7 POUNDS):

Zack Sidhu | Prize $1,500
Charter: Charter Tofino
Guide: Neve Abraham

LARGEST HALIBUT (30.8 POUNDS)

Marshall Gaspard | Prize $1,500 
Charter: Charter Tofino
Guide: Kelly Aspinall

“The Tofino Saltwater Classic was created to support purposeful community causes, and I am delighted that we have been able to do that for 15 years,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic founder, Brendan Morrison.  “Being recognized as Tofino’s largest community fundraiser is especially meaningful to our volunteer-led team who spend many hours designing and managing the event every year. I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to our success and look forward to continuing our efforts next year.”

The 2026 Tofino Saltwater Classic date will be announced soon. 

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

·  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

Media Contact: Lynda Kaye, Kaye Public Relations for the Tofino Saltwater Classic

lynda@kayepr.com p: 250.266.5293