By Elizabeth Maccallum, F10795
March 2012
The Ontario Overlanders chapter has been part of Family Motor Coach Association for 34 years, having received its charter on February 17, 1978. Through the early days, money was scarce and the chapter pulled together to cook meals, drive buses, and tirelessly volunteer. For years our rallies followed suit, and thanks to careful management and investments, our chapter’s bank account grew to the point that last year we were able to donate $13,000 to the Crosby’s Challenge For Children’s fundraising campaign, through the Children’s Health Foundation in London, Ontario, Canada. In addition, Challenge investors Culliton Brothers Limited and Ideal Supply matched our donation amount, which meant our donation accounted for a total of $26,000 to the campaign.
The Crosby’s Challenge For Children’s campaign raised money to purchase life-saving wireless monitors for the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. The new monitors will replace aging equipment and help care for critically ill and preterm newborns. According to representatives at the hospital, these devices will play a significant role in the treatment of more than 700 critically ill and preterm newborns that the hospital sees each year.
A special invitation went out to all Ontario Overlanders chapter members, and on December 14, 2011, a group of us met at Children’s Hospital for a check presentation to foundation community relations associate Stacey Johnson and to tour the facility. Those attending included chapter founders John and Elizabeth MacCallum, Frank and Dora Boode, Ron and Helen Starling, Greg and Mary Ann Sunderland, and Ray and Shirley Walsh. We were very impressed with the open, friendly atmosphere in the hospital and were shown where the devices would be used. Wonderful motifs of animals and Disney characters adorned the walls, and our spirits were lifted for work well done. A plaque with our chapter’s name on it will be hung on the wall for posterity.