Text
Markham Stouffville Cruisers, a registered, non profit, registered charitable organization, is comprised of big-hearted car enthusiasts.
The volunteer-driven club has seven members on its executive committee and has 71 members that meet on Wednesday nights at the Stouffville Legion parking lot.
The current executive committee was elected only one year ago, and it has been challenging navigating the club through the pandemic. In some small ways, the pandemic gave the new executive committee a chance to kick start some new endeavors such as a monthly newsletter, a revamped website and to gain a presence on social media via Facebook.
“We are all enthusiastic and working hard to get our name out there which will hopefully attract and retain more sponsorship,” says Terry Sutton.
Minus operating costs for club insurance, website fees and a few miscellaneous administrative expenses all the funds collected by the group’s membership fees and 50/50 draws are donated to charities and organizations in need. Most notable the Markham and Stouffville Food Banks, the Stouffville Legion, CTV’s Toy Mountain, War Amps, local Girl Guides and Easter Seals.
At Motorfest in Stouffville in September, Sutton coordinated a fundraising photo-op for Easter Seals. Together with Fast Eddie (Ed Hakonson) who brought his Nascar and Canadian Champion Nascar Driver Jason Hathaway who posed for pictures with kids of all ages for a donation to Easter Seals, this venture raised $2000 for Easter Seals. Historically, the club has also donated to Yellow Brick House and donated high school bursaries.
To attract more sponsors, the group is selling advertising space on its website at www.markhamstouffvillecruisers.com.
All sponsors that donate $1000 in goods, services or money for advertising will have their company logo added to the Marching Logos at the bottom of the website’s home page. The greater the sponsorship, the more money we will be able to donate to charities that directly impact our local community.
On October 6th, the group will be holding its last official cruise in as a club for the season. That night, they will donate $1000 to the Stouffville Legion.
Sutton explains it well why she loves being on the executive committee.
“I’m a retired nurse,” Sutton said. “Caring about others is in my blood. I have also volunteered my time to various organizations in the past, but I am most proud of this club, what they do and what we stand for. I am lucky as being an executive with the MSC has allowed me to marry my passion for my 1967 Camaro convertible that I have owned for 40 years to my other passion, helping others in need.”
Originall published in the Stouffville Review and Markahm Review on October 3rd, 2021
The Markham Stouffville Cruisers car club, a local-based group with “big-hearted” members, is garnering attention for their outstanding philanthropic efforts in the community. Led by Terry Sutton, the club's president, they are making a significant impact through their volunteer-based, registered, non-profit organization.
Meeting every Wednesday night at the Markham Village Community Centre, on Highway 7 just east of Markham Road, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. since May until Sept. 6, the group exemplifies their club motto, "Community Driven," through their dedication to giving back to the community.
Sutton says the heart of their mission lies in fundraising for local charities that directly impact the area. The Markham and Whitchurch Stouffville Food Banks are among the primary beneficiaries of their efforts, helping to provide much-needed support to those facing hardship. Furthermore, the club awards two Markham Stouffville Cruiser Memorial Scholarships annually to graduating students in the Markham and Stouffville communities pursuing a post-secondary education in the automotive industry, investing in the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.
Their philanthropic reach extends to the Markham Stouffville Hospital's mental health unit, and the club actively sponsors the MS Road to a Cure Charity Car Show, contributing to the fight against multiple sclerosis.
Apart from their charitable contributions, the Markham Stouffville Cruisers use their passion for classic cars to enrich various community functions. They make special appearances with their show cars at events such as the Terry Fox Run, Markham Missionary events, the Rock N' Roll Classic Car Show in Stouffville and mini car shows at nursing homes, spreading joy and delighting audiences of all ages.
Recently, the car club demonstrated their generosity by assisting a local up-and-coming music artist, MICO, in his music video shoot for his newly released song, "Prove Me Wrong." The club provided their classic cars, adding an extra touch of style and character to the music video.
On Aug. 9, the Markham Stouffville Cruisers have an exciting event planned, as they will be conducting a cheque presentation to the Markham Stouffville Hospital during their cruise-in night. Markham Fire and Emergency Services will also be part of the celebration, showcasing their antique fire truck alongside an in-service truck. The firefighters will be actively participating in the fundraising initiative by "passing the boot," collecting donations for the club's charitable causes.
Sutton and the entire Markham Stouffville Cruisers car club are calling upon the community to join them for this special night.
Originall published in York Region Website.
Markham, Stouffville, cruisers, car, club, open road, donations, non-profit, fundraiser, classic, sponsors,
donors, markhamstouffvillecruisers, Toronto, cars, muscle, antique car, vintage, autmotive
