SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - "Seeing their smiling faces, that in itself, is the reward," says RCMP Staff Sgt. Ken Morrison with emotion in his voice.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Ken Morrison receives the merit award from Jason Evenson, chapter director of the Alberta and NWT chapter of The Children's Wish Foundation. He received the award to recognize the outstanding efforts of himself and the Yellowknife RCMP detachment in raising money and awareness for the Children's Wish Foundation. He was given the award at the Lighting up Lives Gala on Thursday, April 14, at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, Alta. - photo courtesy of Chantal McLeod

Morrison was recognized with a merit award for his efforts raising money for the Children's Wish Foundation last week at a gala event in Calgary, Alta., last week.

Last year, the Chris Worden Memorial Golf Tournament, organized by Morrison, raised $43,000 toward the foundation. The foundation aims to fulfill wishes of terminally ill children. The golf tournament is held in honour of Const. Christopher Worden, a RCMP officer murdered in Hay River while on duty in 2007.

"I do it for the kids," said Morrison.

"Every year we donate the proceeds of the to the Children's Wish Foundation." This year's golf tournament takes place at the Yellowknife Golf Club on June 24. Morrison also wanted to recognize the efforts of Const. Todd Scaplen of the Yellowknife RCMP, who also helped organize the golf tournament.

Chantel Macleod, communications co-ordinator for the Children's Wish Foundation, said Yellowknife RCMP have always been generously involved with the organization.

"Over the years, Ken and the Yellowknife RCMP have shown tremendous support for the Children's Wish Foundation," said Macleod.

"This past year was their most successful golf tournament to date, generating significant awareness in the community. Ken and his colleagues were also instrumental in helping grant a young boy's wish for a trailer who lives up in Inuvik."

She added a Children's Wish representative will be visiting Yellowknife on June 24 to participate in this year's golf tournament.

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