SOCAN hit the links with our friends and clients as a proud sponsor of the Retail Council of Canada's (RCC) annual golf tournament, held Sept. 24, 2009, at the Angus Glen Golf Course in Markham, Ont. The event is a fundraiser for the RCC's "Retail as a Career" scholarship program, and allowed SOCAN an opportunity to give back to its customers, especially those who do what's right for music and pay their licence fees.

Joining in a round of golf were SOCAN industry relations executive Craig Brockie; SOCAN member, rock legend and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson; his fellow SOCAN member Andy Curran; and Thurstan Berkeley, CFO of Tilley Endurables Inc., who won the chance to tee off with Lifeson via a draw open to all attendees.

"I have participated in this tournament for the last five years, but this was the best," said Berkeley. "I was really looking forward to this one, though, because I had been chosen to golf with Alex Lifeson...Alex Lifeson!" he exclaimed.

SOCAN also sponsored the "Closer to the Heart" Closest to the Pin competition, with SOCAN prize packages (including golf supplies and SOCAN promotional items) presented by Lifeson and Brockie to four lucky winners. SOCAN also donated a Gibson Epiphone electric guitar, signed by Lifeson, for the event's silent auction. This was the top-selling item, which was purchased by Ron Bastine of ADT Security Services Canada.