Shad’s R&R aftermarket fundraiser makes a triumphant return

by | Jun 21, 2022 | 0 comments

Shad’s R&R for Muscular Dystrophy, a cornerstone fundraiser for Canada’s automotive aftermarket, made a welcome return after a three year absence, raising $170,000 for the cause.

The new contributions bring the total funds raised since the event’s inception to more than $5.3 million.

While organizers instituted some online fundraising activities as the COVID 19 pandemic kept events on the sidelines–raising some $45,000–the return of the charity golf tournament was met with enthusiasm by the near capacity 300 in attendance.

Shad’s R&R chair Brad Shaddick was grateful for the enthusiastic return of the supporters, with the most sponsorship and golfer participation in the history of the event.

“It’s incredible. It’s been three years, since we’ve been here. It shows the resilience of the industry for everybody to be out here. We’re almost at a sellout. We’ve got more golfers today than we’ve ever had in the 47 year history of Shad’s and obviously a lot of people are anxious to get out and mingle with people and pull together.”

In his keynote speech, leading researcher Dr. Alex Mackenzie recalled that when Shad’s R&R began, researchers knew nothing about Muscular Dystrophy or how to treat it let alone cure it.

“And so in the 15 years after you guys came on stream, we discovered Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A Canadian discovery. We discovered myotonic dystrophy. Canadian discovery.

“SMA. Well, that was a French discovery. We discovered the gene next to it– missed by that much–, but basically there’s a huge Canadian input there.

“This (SMA) disease kills kids in the first year of life. We learned how to replace that piece of DNA. And, with one shot, save their lives. And it is through funding such as you guys that got us to this situation.”

Shad’s R&R was founded after industry veteran Fred Shaddick and a group of colleagues spent a late night “strategizing” and then opted to play golf rather than head to their offices. Feeling the sting of remorse and regret, they decided making a charitable contribution to a cause in need might make them feel better. Shad’s R&R (remorse and regret) was born.

That first event raised about $500. Participation has grown over the years as has the funds raised, now topping $5.2 for research into muscular dystrophy.

The tournament continues to operate on a zero-overhead basis with all monies raised going to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

And it continues to be among the largest fundraisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

In 2012 the organization created the Fred Shaddick Community Service Award presented to an individual or organization from across Canada that they select as going above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

For those who wish to learn more about the event for future editions, please CONTACT A BOARD MEMBER

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