Shads R&R meets the $3.8 million mark!

AIA Canada makes it a priority to recognize the efforts and dedication of volunteers by making them known to the industry. Their commitment to causes, task forces, committees and councils have shaped the automotive aftermarket industry into the strong, vibrant Association it has become. Thursday, June 9th, was the annual SHAD’s R&R Golf Tournament at Station Creek Golf &
Country Club in Stoufville, Ontario. This year, a check for $175,000 was presented to Catherine Sherrard, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada by the Shad’s R&R Board of Directors, making a cumulative total of $3,841,700 raised in the last 38 years by Shad’s R&R for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

A total of 260 golfers attended the event, with 280 people in attendance for dinner. “Angela McGonigal, mother of 7 year old Owen, gave a very emotional speech to the group on the trials and tribulations of her son Owen and his Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Tony & Janice, parents of Alex Harold, also returned to the group after speaking last year at the 2010 golf tournament.” states John Vanstone, Chairman of the Board of Shad’s. “We will move past $4 million in 2012, as our next goal.”

Fred Shaddick set out to make a difference for kids affected by neuromuscular disorders and their families by establishing the “For the Kids” fundraising golf tournament in 1973. Shad’s R&R is generously supported by the automotive industry’s aftermarket suppliers, distributors, jobbers and retailers. Industry professionals compete in the one-day tournament, donate a variety of prizes and participate in additional fundraising activities taking place during the tournament. This year, a special opportunity was presented – leaders from the automotive industry generously offered participants the chance to bid on a round of golf
with them at leading golf courses across Canada. The silent auction proved to be a tremendous success, with bids going as high as $3000.

Congratulations to the AIA members volunteering for this event and our affiliations on these great efforts. A special thanks to the Board Directors of Shad’s: Mike Fazackerley, Mike Holland, Luc Champagne, Bill Blair, Ray Osika, Ken Coulter, Steve Gushie and Brad Shaddick, as well as John Vanstone, Chairman of the Board.