Pembroke honours Jason Blaine with Key to the City

For his ongoing commitment to supporting local charities and making the community a better place with over $1 million raised, the City of Pembroke has honoured Jason Blaine with a Key to the City. Mayor Ron Gervais surprised Jason with the Key this evening during his 10th annual Jason Blaine Celebrity Charity Golf Classic.

Mayor Gervais introduced the presentation, “the presentation of a key to an individual by a municipality is the highest honour that can be bestowed. It is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement. So it is truly an honour today that we make a presentation to Jason, the Key to the City of Pembroke.”

Jason started his fundraising golf event in 2011 after being inspired by the Gord Bamford Annual Charity Golf Classic and the good it was doing to raise money for a variety of charities. The CCMA-, SOCAN-, and CMAO-winning country artist wanted to bring that support to his hometown of Pembroke, even though he now lives in Nashville. The event has evolved over the years, but always includes golf, food, and music. 

Jason says it was important to him to have the event support multiple groups and causes as there is a diversity of needs in and around Pembroke. At this year’s 10th anniversary event, Jason crossed the $1 million mark, which has gone to support more than 40 local charities.

Upon accepting the Key, Jason said, “this is incredible, wow. I feel so humbled by this. We started this event a decade ago with a vision and the way Pembroke has rallied around this event, the music, and my family in general, you guys welcomed us back home to where I grew up. Each year, you make us feel so loved and so welcomed. I grew up a Pembroke boy with a dream — my dad taught me how to play guitar, my mom encouraged me to chase my dreams. But life is more than just the songs. People might forget the songs, what chart number something they made it to, but hopefully they won’t forget this stuff. You’ve got to use your talents to make a difference. I’m honoured. Thank you Pembroke.”

The mayor and Council are proud to honour someone who has had such a profound impact on Pembroke and its people. “Jason continues to use his talents to give back to the community he loves so much. He is every bit the person we have come to know and love,” said Mayor Gervais.