Over 200 participants from all sectors of the automotive aftermarket took part in a day of golf, dinner, and prizes with all proceeds going to Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The 45th annual Shad’s R&R for muscular dystrophy raised $175,000, bringing the total money raised since its inception back in 1973, to over $5 million.
Held at the Station Creek Golf Club in Gormley, Ont., on Thursday, June 14, Shad’s is a unique industry event that allows members of the automotive aftermarket set aside all competitive business issues in order to join forces and support the bigger cause of finding a cure for Muscular Dystrophy.
“Back in 1973, the first Shads charity golf event raised $1400,” explained Brad Shaddick. Muscular Dystrophy was chosen at that time because it had the least amount of overhead with the greatest amount of funds going towards research. Muscular Dystrophy has been the cause of choice for Shads R&R ever since and we have endeavoured to have zero overhead for this event. All the work that is done behind the scenes has been volunteered, and all the board members pick up their expenses so that the maximum donation can be made every year.”
Dr. Cynthia Gagnon, MDC Canada and Barbara Stead-Coyle, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada were on hand to accept the cheque for $175,000
“On behalf of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, I want to say that Shad’s is one of our very top-level supporters and the fact that this has been going on for 45 years is truly incredible,” said Cynthia Gagnon. “These funds have allowed us to make great progress in our research efforts and improve the lives of some many.”
“A contribution of $5 million for a charity of our size is remarkable,” added Barbara Stead-Coyle, CEO Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Dr. Gagnon spoke at length about the many challenges facing researchers, including keeping track of ongoing research. Gagnon also compared inventory management in the auto market with tracking research in the medical research arena. “When you get a call for a timing gear, you don’t go to the back and look to see if you have the right part; you would, I hope, have a computer system you can check to see if you have it in inventory. Researchers have similar challenges in keeping track of research findings from around the world.”
“All of this would not be possible without this kind of support for the incredible, ground-breaking research that is taking place here in Canada. On behalf of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, I would like to thank Brad Shaddick and the supporters of Shads R & R for this incredibly generous gift.”
Next year’s event will be held June 13, 2019, at Station Creek Golf & Country Club, Gormley, Ont.
The Winners:
Bill Hay recognized Ken Coulter, Specialty Sales, and Marketing for once again providing the trophies.
The winning foursome on the south course with a score of 60 on par 72 was Kerry Best, Jason. Best, Zak Kreiger and Justin.
The winning foursome on the north course with a score of 63 on a par 70 was Jason Robinson, David Robinson, Phil Brewer, and Eric Stone.
Closest to the pin winners were Bill Blair, Jeff Shapton, Irving Jankenbaum and Mark Grnak.
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