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 44th annual Shad’s R&R for muscular dystrophy raised $175,000, bringing the total money raised since its inception back in 1973, to $4.8 million.
Held at the Station Creek Golf Club in Gormley, Ont., on Thursday, June 8, 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.”
Jesse Sharratt, Director of Marketing and Communications, Muscular Dystrophy Canada was on hand to accept the cheque for $175,000
“On behalf of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, I want to say I am just blown away by your level of generosity and that fact that this has been going on for 44 years. It is truly incredible,” said Sharrat. “These funds allow us to continue working with cutting edge research and technology in this field. There are incredible treatments today. New gene therapies, cell therapies, gene editing technologies. There are so many things that are coming down the pike and moving forward that can make life a little bit easier and help people suffering from this disorder.”
“For the first time in history we’re seeing new treatments and trials with incredible potential,” continued Sharrat. “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. We will put it to good use.”
The group also heard from Christina Massad, who told her story of being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the young age of 13.
“People just have amazing hearts, and you see that in this room,” Christina said. “We have no words. People like me, families like mine that have been touched by Muscular Dystrophy, there simply are not enough words in the English dictionary to say thank you for your continued generosity and your support.”
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