Papamoa Rotary Club's annual golf tournament has raised $24,000 toward youth development in the region.

The event, which took place at Mt Maunganui Golf Club last month, is now in its eighth year and has so far raised over $100,000 since its inception.

Previous funds have been used to provide bike racks, helmets, playground equipment, and funding towards Papamoa Surf Club including a boat, 4WD quad and club programs.

This year's funds will be focused on youth development. Of the $24,000 raised, three cheques of $5,000 will go to main beneficiaries: The Graeme Dingle Foundation, RYDA Road Safety Education, and Papamoa Surf Club.

Dan Allen Gordon, accepting the cheque for The Graeme Dingle Foundation's Kiwi Can team, advises that this contribution will benefit a further 720 children in Papamoa this year through their programs.

RYDA educates youth on road safety. Jerry Cowper, who received the contribution for RYDA, says the funds will 'help an additional 600 students in the Mount and Papamoa attend their road safety course next year.”

Papamoa Surf Club trains and upskills their volunteers to keep the community safe in the water. Nikki Heatly, who received this year's cheque for Papamoa Surf Club, comments that this will help with essential first aid training for Surf Club volunteers.

Rod Kueuke, on behalf of the Papamoa Rotary club, expressed gratitude for the 'special and long-term commitment” for the event from Bluehaven Management and the Mount Maunganui Golf Club and the thirty one hole sponsors.

'This event is about providing for the Papamoa Community and it is great to see so many firms from this area prepared to donate to this cause,” says Rod.