Shad’s R&R Makes Record Donation

The Shad’s R&R charity fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy research made a record haul for the cause in this its 38th year.
With the strong addition of an online auction and return to pre-recessionary sponsorship pricing, the fundraiser donated $175,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Canada organization which, when combined with matching grants from ALS Canada and the Canadian Institute of Health Research results in an overall contribution to research of $525,000.
Since its inception in 1973, the event has raise more than $3.8 million.
MDC CEO Catherine Sherrard was clearly taken aback by the size of this year’s contribution.
“We may not be able to tell you about major breakthroughs every year but we could no do what ware doing without contributions like yours. And to go from $125,000 to $175,000 in one year is just amazing,” said Sherrard.
On hand for the presentations .were two families affected by muscular dystrophy. Alex Harold, now heading to university, was accompanied by his parents, Janice and Tony. Alex spoke at last year’s event.
Seven year old Owen McGonigal accompanied his mother Angela for an impassioned presentation of how a healthy baby boy was suddenly stricken with the disease at age 11 months. She too was impressed by the size of the donation.
“I was captured breathless when the cheque was presented. Thank you so much. Thirty-eight years is just phenomenal. What this event brings us is a cure for the future.”
In what may be  the start of a new tradition, Shad’s chair John Vanstone invited both Alex and Owen up to the door prize table to have their pick. Alex chose a coffee maker for his mom. Seven year old own picked a Playstation 3, and then on the very next draw ticket, won a second prize. The move was received with great enthusiasm by attendees.
“The successful formula for Shad’s was set year ago,” said Vanstone. “Everything is donated. It’s a fine day when we all set competitive issues aside to pursue a cure for muscular dystrophy.”

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