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The Cedar Park Heights Men’s Softball League will be holding its 41st annual Pointe-Claire Softball Tournament from August 22-24, 2025, all to help raise funds for much-needed medical equipment for the Lakeshore General Hospital in Pointe-Claire on behalf of the Millie & Al De Souza Foundation.

Mary Mildred (Millie) and Alfred George (Al) De Souza were both long-time residents of Pointe-Claire, where they lived for over 40 years after emigrating from England in 1966. Millie taught Grade 3 students at St. John Fisher Elementary School, while Al was a career banker, eventually becoming the treasurer of Canadian Pacific Enterprises Limited and a number of its subsidiaries.

The foundation, a private philanthropic endeavour by the family established in honour of the De Souzas, was established in 2011 at the Lakeshore General Hospital in Pointe-Claire to help pay for state-of-the-art medical equipment for the hospital, where both Millie and Al received care.

The Pointe-Claire Softball Tournament means a lot to many players, inspiring them to take an active part in ensuring its success. Liam Alcalde started playing in the Cedar Park Heights league 11 years ago, has been organizing the tournament for the past 6 years, and has been president for the last two.

With deep roots in Pointe-Claire, Alcalde felt the impulse to support his community and uses his connection to the sport to help give back. “Softball appeals to everyone, and this tournament brings the whole community together,” he said. "Forty-one years is a long tradition, but this year we’re making it bigger and better than ever. More teams, more energy, and most importantly, more impact for the Foundation and the hospital."

A past participant in the tournament, Jordyn Shell joins Alcalde in helping run the event in her first year as vice president. Also feeling the strong pull of community, Shell believes “we’re lucky to have a hospital like the Lakeshore so close to home — it’s there for us in the moments we need it most, and supporting it through the Foundation feels like the least we can do."

The tournament offers a weekend of friendly competition, community spirit, and support for a great cause, bringing together hundreds of West Island residents — including players, volunteers, and spectators.

Alcalde and Shell agree, "This tournament isn’t just about the games — it’s about community, family, and giving back. Every pitch, every run, and every laugh out here helps fund priority medical equipment at the Lakeshore General Hospital, and that’s something we can all get behind."

In addition to holding competitive and recreational softball games in both a men's and mixed division and a home run derby, the event offers fun for the entire community, with a family-friendly atmosphere and activities for people of all ages. The tournament will also have raffles, giveaways, music, and entertainment. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

Admission is free for spectators, and there will be games throughout the weekend, so stop by to cheer on your friends, family, and neighbours, all in the spirit of a good cause. The full schedules will be coming soon!

To learn more about the event, to register your team, or to make a donation, please contact Liam Alcalde or visit the Facebook page to learn more.