There’s a 30-year age difference between Cassidy Hilliard and her dad, Barry.
So when Barry Hilliard was elected president of the Newbeaver Shrine Club in Newmarket, back in January, and was challenged to come up with an event that could bridge the generation gap and bring in younger members, it was only natural that he would turn to his daughter for ideas.
“You know everyone loves bowling – why not try that?” suggested Cassidy.
The result was a completely sold-out Shriners’ Bowlathon at Bradford Underground Bowl, held this past Saturday night. Seventy-two people signed up to bowl, with another dozen or so coming out just to support the event – a meet-and-greet and social evening of bowling, a silent auction and fun, with all of the proceeds going to Shriners Children’s Hospital.
The Newbeaver Shrine Club is no stranger to Bradford West Gwillimbury. Every year, the club brings its rock ’n' roll train to town, for the annual BWG Santa Claus Parade. Many of those watching the parade and rocking along know that the Shriners are high level Masons, but not everyone is aware of their support of Shriners Children’s Hospitals and other pediatric facilities across the country.
Shriners Children’s Hospital has 22 sites in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, including a new expanded, state-of-the-art facility in Montreal, connected to Montreal Children’s Hospital.
The hospitals are acute-care centres, “providing orthopaedic specialty care for complex or chronic disorders, severe spinal and limb anomalies, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Children from all across Canada, the U.S. and around the world have benefited from the Shriners hospitals’ ground-breaking research and innovation,” explained Barry.
Cleft lips and palates, burns, spinal-cord injuries, orthopaedic conditions – the hospitals have provided care for children up to the age of 18 for more than 90 years, regardless of the families’ ability to pay – covering all costs not covered by OHIP.
Over the years, Newbeaver Shrine Club has donated thousands of dollars to the Shriners Children’s Hospital Foundation, as well as contributing more than $58,000 to Southlake Regional Health Centre. The club also has a transportation fund to help pay for transportation to specialized care for patients.
“Donations and charity events help the Newbeaver Shrine Club and the Shriners Children’s Hospital reach their goals of providing the best medical care for children in Canada and around the world,” said Barry.
Support for the Bowlathon from local businesses was outstanding, said Cassidy. “Bradford has been absolutely fantastic! Everything is donated.”
Smoochies Cakery provided a cake, Minerva’s Creations made the decorative balloon bowling pins, and numerous local businesses contributed items for the silent auction, and prizes for the bowlers – each of whom paid $20 for two games and pizza.
“Thank you very much, all of you, for coming out,” said Barry Hilliard. “This is a heck of a turnout.”
