Carrying on a Legacy: The Gallivan CF Golf Tournament 

For more than four decades, the Gallivan CF Golf Tournament has stood as a shining example of what happens when a community comes together with love, purpose, and determination. What started as a local event is now Atlantic Canada’s most enduring charity golf tournament, raising more than $2.6 million to date in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s work on behalf of Canadians living with cystic fibrosis (CF). 

At the heart of the event is a deeply personal legacy. Robbie and Jane Thompson, siblings who both lived with CF, remain the inspiration behind so much of what the tournament represents. Each year, their lives are remembered in meaningful ways – from the Friends of Robbie & Jane initiative, which has raised nearly $290 000, to the Rob Thompson Award, which honours individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the tournament and the broader CF community. 

But the true anchors of the tournament are Ian and Donna Thompson, Robbie and Jane’s parents. Year after year, Ian and Donna can be found supporting the committee, welcoming players and sponsors, and reminding everyone why this cause matters deeply to them. Their quiet strength and visible love inspire the community to continue pushing forward.  

“The incredible support of Ian and Donna Thompson,  is what makes this tournament so special,” shared one committee member. “Their dedication, along with the love of our community, is what keeps the event meaningful year after year.” 

That sense of family is unmistakable. The committee is made up of people whose lives have been personally touched by CF – whether as parents, grandparents, or friends. And every summer, the broader community rallies alongside them. The tournament sells out year after year, often with a waitlist, as both players and sponsors eagerly step forward to take part. 

The 2025 event was especially memorable. The Gallivan committee was honoured with the Change Maker Reward, which recognizes community events that raise over $65 000 annually. The tournament raised over $100 000, a milestone that not only celebrated the committee’s tireless work but also underscored the community’s generosity and commitment. 

Even after 41 years, the Gallivan CF Golf Tournament continues to evolve. It has grown into one of the region’s most sought-after golf events, balancing its reputation for fun and competition with its unwavering mission to improve the lives of those living with CF. 

For newcomers, the tournament’s impact is felt the moment they arrive. Volunteers, players, and sponsors are welcomed like old friends, leaving with the sense that they were part of something bigger than a game of golf. 

The Gallivan CF Golf Tournament is more than a fundraiser. It’s a legacy of love, family, and community – a reminder of what can happen when people unite around a cause, and a tribute to Robbie and Jane whose memory continues to inspire change.