Nantais Family Keeps The Memory Of Their Loved One Alive By Going Above & Beyond To Help The Community
While many of us live life characterized by the fast paced and relentless pursuit of personal success — a Windsor family, inspired by the memory of their late son and brother — maintain an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those living with physical and developmental struggles.
Their inspiring journey into the world of philanthropy is a testament to the extraordinary power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
Mark Nantais was a young man who touched the lives of many people in the 29 years he was alive. Born with cerebral palsy, a severe seizure disorder, Mark developed many other medical challenges as he grew older.
“Through all of his trials and tribulations, surgeries and hospitalizations, one was always assured to see a smile on his face,” expresses Jo-Anne Nantais, Mark’s mom and co-founder of The Mark Nantais Memorial Golf Tournament. “His passing on September 21, 2013, left a gaping hole in the hearts of many and he is sadly missed.”
It is believed by those who loved him, that Mark had a specific purpose to fulfill during his life on earth.
“It is strongly felt that perhaps he was here to teach us how to be patient, loving and respectful to everyone,” Jo-Anne comments. “But also to mentor us on how to treat others, provide us with the wisdom to accept others as they are, be humble, be non-judgmental, realize it’s okay to be different, understand that anything is possible, be happy and remind us that life is too short.”
After Mark’s passing in 2013, Jo-Anne, his dad Dave Nantais and sister Shawna-Marie Nantais, felt they needed a way to continue to keep his memory alive. They decided as a family to hold a golf tournament where 100% of the proceeds would go to organizations that assisted them throughout Mark’s growing years.
“Mark had a lot of love for friends and his community, so he always wanted to help them out,” says Jo-Anne. “This came in the form of making a pot of soup, a card for someone who may be sick, or building a shelf for someone who was sad. Of course, he could not achieve those goals without us doing the work, but he always enjoyed doing things that would make people smile.”
The 10 year old tournament, held in his name, took place at Coachwood Golf & Country Club, previously called Fox Glen in McGregor. It consisted of a round of golf, dinner, penny draws, raffles, a putting challenge, and a silent auction. Items of choice in past raffles included a freezer with food, gift cards, a Spitfire suite (donated by the Windsor Spitfires), a cooler filled with spirits, and more! Details on previous events can be found online.
Jo-Anne specifically wanted to acknowledge one company for their support: “We are very fortunate to have friends that own Melissa’s Cake Creations and who, for 10 years, have made and donated 100% of their proceeds of sales a month or so before the day of each event to the cause. They have made the Mark Nantais Memorial Golf Tournament their personal charity of choice, for which we are forever grateful.”
She adds that in 2023, the cake company sold 800 to 900 cupcakes which were picked up onsite at the event.
Last year, the focus of the golf tournament was on helping people with physical disabilities and our vulnerable senior population, by increasing public awareness and support for an accessible and inclusive community.
The Nantais family therefore continues to honour Mark by following his lead in helping others with mobility-limiting challenges to live their best lives.
“The group which put on the tournament each year consisted of myself, my husband, my daughter, our siblings, nieces and nephews and friends,” Jo-Anne indicates. “I would say it took about 30 of us to get things running smoothly for the day. Most came for all 10 years, so it was nice because everyone had a job and knew how to get things done without a hitch.”
To date, the golf tournament (and raffle draws held at later dates) has raised over $200,000 over the past decade. A change is coming for 2024 regarding the organization and beneficiary however, (read more on this at the end of this article).
For now, let’s take a look at some of the family’s charities of choice over the last 10 years.
Xperience Home Health Care
Founded in 2017, Xperience Home Health Care services the senior and pediatric population in the Windsor Essex and London Middlesex area, with a focus on mobility, home/vehicle accessibility, custom seating medical supplies and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
In partnership with Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario, Xperience Home Health Care provides the medical equipment support program, Neighbours Who Care.
Through first hand experiences, these organizations have seen how many people in Windsor and Essex County need basic home healthcare and medical equipment. Neighbours Who Care helps with financial assistance and cleaning, refurbishing and recycling nearly-new equipment to be utilized in the community to help someone in need.
“We work hand-in-glove with Jo-Anne,” states Jody Gosse, General Manager of Xperience Home Health Care. “Proceeds from the Mark Nantais event were used to assist people throughout Windsor and Essex County for their medical equipment needs.”
For more information, visit their location in person at 55 Edinborough Street, Unit 130 in Windsor.
Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario
Since 1938, Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) has envisioned a day when people with physical disabilities fully participate in all aspects of community life as the norm and not the exception.
Located at 1100 University Avenue West, Unit A in Windsor, their mission is to provide customized service to adults with physical disabilities that ensures opportunities to live, work, and play as full and equal citizens.
Their values include quality, accountability, responsiveness, respect, accessibility, collaboration, and leadership.
“Along with Xperience Home Health Care, we worked with the Nantais family to honour their son Mark’s memory each year by giving to the Neighbours Who Care program funds received from the golf tournament held in Mark’s name,” notes Leigh Vachon, Executive Director of ALSO. “We are very proud of our relationship with the Nantais family and with Xperience. Both are instrumental in ensuring that people who might not otherwise have it, are given accessibility equipment.”