Mandy Bujold's Column

Women in Construction Golf Tournament: A Day of Connection, Impact & Inspiration  

 By Mandy Bujold, Manager of Industry & Community Partnerships, GVCA

This year’s Women in Construction Golf Tournament was more than just a day on the course, it was a celebration of community, connection, and making a difference.

Together, we raised over $1,400 through the LemonAID initiative with Family and Children’s Services, helping send kids to camp. Something as simple as a raffle ticket might feel small at the moment, but hearing firsthand the stories of the lives it touches reminds us of the real impact behind our efforts.

We were honored to hear from Daryn Brito, a researcher, speaker, and author whose lived experience has shaped her into a passionate advocate for social justice and trauma-informed change. Entering foster care at 16, Daryn supported her siblings through instability while continuing her own education with the help of the FACS Foundation. Today, she is pursuing dual Master’s degrees in Counselling Psychology and Criminology and preparing for a PhD focused on reforming the very systems that failed her.

Daryn’s story of resilience and determination moved everyone in the room. Her vulnerability in sharing her journey reminded us why initiatives like the LemonAID fundraiser matter so much. It’s not just dollars raised, but opportunities created, and lives changed. We extend our deepest thanks to Daryn for sharing her story with us and inspiring our community. We have one more opportunity on September 18th at our annual Fish Fry event to support this incredible cause and help us reach our goal of sending 30 kids to camp. 

Thank you to all the golfers, sponsors, and supporters who made this year’s tournament such a success. Together, we are building stronger connections on and off the course.