Apr 26, 2026

One Round at a Time: A Mission for Change

This press release highlights an initiative that is incredibly close to my heart.

As many of you know, golf is a huge part of my life, but this partnership between Sandbagger Holdings Canada and Melanoma Canada is about much more than just the game. Having lost both of my parents and my sister to cancer, I have seen the heavy toll this disease takes on a family. It’s a personal history that drives me every day to advocate for better awareness and early detection.

Through the "One Round at a Time" campaign, we’re bringing life-saving education and resources directly to the golf community. Whether you're a casual player or on the course every weekend, taking a moment to prioritize skin health can make all the difference.

I’m proud to support this mission to protect the people we love, one fairway at a time. Please take a moment to check out the details and see how we can work together to make an impact.




 
Sandbagger Holdings Canada  and Melanoma Canada Raise Awareness
One Round at a Time
 
Peterborough, Ontario – April 22, 2026, Melanoma Canada and Sandbagger, one of Canada's leading spirit-based beverage brands, are proud to announce a new national partnership dedicated to raising awareness about skin cancer prevention within the golf community.
 
Rooted in Peterborough more than forty years ago, Sandbagger began as a simple mix of gin, bar lime, soda, and a splash of Sprite — a refreshing combination that quickly earned a loyal following and an unforgettable name. William Joseph “Billy” Rowan believed so strongly in Sandbagger that he trademarked the name in Canada and the United States more than 20 years ago, envisioning one day bringing it to market. Though he passed away eight years ago after a battle with cancer, before seeing the brand officially launch, his dream endured. In 2020, his son fulfilled a promise made at Billy's celebration of life by launching Sandbagger Lemon Lime. Today, every sand-textured can proudly bear Billy's initials, WJR, as a quiet tribute to the man who started it all. Embraced by the golf community he loved, Sandbagger has grown into one of Canada's top spirit-based beverage brands. Known for bold, innovative flavours like Boysenberry, Cloudberry, and Cransfusion, the brand stands out not only for its taste but for its deep roots in family, legacy, and passion. From a simple clubhouse cocktail to a nationally recognized brand, Sandbagger is more than a drink — it's a story poured into every can.
 
Golf has been the foundation of Sandbagger's growth, and the golf community has played a central role in fueling the brand's success. From golfers and golf course partners to tournament organizers and clubhouse teams, this brand was built on the fairways and supported by those who embraced our beverage from the very beginning. As a company shaped by the game, we believe it's our responsibility to give back to the community that helped build us. With skin cancer remaining the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada and golfers facing elevated risk due to prolonged UV exposure, we are proud to support awareness and prevention initiatives that help protect the health and well-being of the golfers and golf partners who have supported us from day one.
 
Through this national partnership, Sandbagger will support Melanoma Canada's mission to reduce the incidence of melanoma through education, prevention, and early detection. Together, the organizations aim to bring sun safety awareness directly to golf courses and outdoor communities across the country. A portion of proceeds from every Sandbagger sold will be donated to fund Melanoma Canada's national awareness campaigns, prevention initiatives, and patient support programs.
 
“Golfers and outdoor enthusiasts face increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which significantly raises their risk of developing melanoma,” said Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada. “We are proud to partner with Sandbagger to deliver critical sun safety education to the golf community. By working together, we can empower Canadians to protect their skin, recognize early warning signs, and ultimately save lives.”
 
“Sandbagger is more than a drink, it's a legacy and a promise kept,” said Jay Rowan, President of Sandbagger Holdings "Partnering with Melanoma Canada allows us to honour that legacy by supporting a cause that impacts families and communities across the country, especially the golf community that has embraced us from the beginning.”
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to community, health, and meaningful impact, raising awareness one round at a time.
 
For more information about Melanoma Canada and melanoma prevention resources, visit melanomacanada.ca.

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