Ancaster, ON — The spirit of the former Thistle Club—once a well-known Hamilton athletics and social club—returned on November 21, 2025 as over 100 alumni gathered at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club (HGCC) for an evening of reconnection, shared memories, and celebration. Former squash, racquetball, tennis, curling, and social members were joined by families of late members, creating a warm atmosphere that echoed the club’s long-standing tradition of camaraderie.
Originally planned as a relaxed cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and an open mic for short stories, the gathering brought together photos, memorabilia, and familiar anecdotes, offering a comfortable, nostalgic reminder of the Thistle community.
Thanks to strong attendance and careful event planning, the reunion concluded with a net surplus, which organizers chose to donate to the Drive Foundation, a Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting mental health and addiction recovery through media arts, education, and direct-aid programs.
Through its driveAID program, the Drive Foundation is directing the Thistle donation to Help Clinic Canada (www.helpclinic.ca), a Canadian online therapy provider offering accessible, client-centred counselling services. Drive Foundation has partnered with Help Clinic to deliver direct mental-health support through their virtual care platform. Help Clinic was founded by Maureen Codispodi, a Hamilton ex-pat, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Certified Canadian Counsellor with 25 years of experience in mental health, education, and counselling. She is widely recognized for creating calm, safe, and welcoming spaces for clients and for her commitment to supporting each person’s capacity to heal and grow.
Help Clinic’s mission is to make therapy more accessible by reducing barriers related to cost, geography, and scheduling. Their online model allows individuals to choose a therapist, book appointments digitally, and receive support from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. By working with Help Clinic, the Drive Foundation is able to extend practical, immediate assistance to people in the Hamilton region who are facing mental-health challenges.
“This contribution reflects the Thistle spirit of supporting one another and the broader community,” said Michael Loveless of the Drive Foundation. “It’s meaningful to see an evening of reconnection translate into real, tangible help.”
As large gatherings become less frequent, the event served as a timely opportunity for Thistle alumni to reconnect, honour past members, and leave a positive mark on the community.