Business transforms client appreciation day into fundraiser

FERGUS - Local businessman and entrepreneur Rowan McLean saw an opportunity to give back to the community in a big way - turning an annual event into a Groves oncology department fundraiser.

The event raised $12,260.

Every year his home automation company - Station Earth - holds a client appreciation day called Hot Laps where clients get an opportunity to run their sports cars on a professional racetrack to experience what their vehicles are truly capable of. However, this year’s event on Aug. 11 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, came with a twist.

After experiencing firsthand a family member’s cancer journey through the local healthcare system from diagnoses to treatment, McLean wondered if his customers would respond to a fundraising component to this year’s Hot Laps event.

He decided to donate 100 per cent of ticket sales to the Groves Hospital Foundation and offered his clients an opportunity to contribute additional amounts. And contribute they did.

With COVID-19 restriction limiting the size of the event, a modest fundraising goal of $5,000 was established.

The initial goal was exceeded after only the second day of ticket sales prompting the goal to be raised to $12,000, which was achieved on the morning of the event.

“My personal experience with the Groves Memorial (Community) Hospital and the level of care and compassion demonstrated throughout our journey was exceptional,” stated McLean.

“I was thrilled at the way our clients supported Hot Laps which allowed us to give back to our community hospital.”

Lori Arsenault, executive director of the Groves Hospital Foundation, attended Station Earth on Aug. 20 for the cheque presentation ceremony.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to Station Earth and their incredible clients for this generous contribution to our oncology department,” stated Arsenault. “This contribution will go a long way to helping us get established in our new location.”

For more information on this donation visit https://stationearth.com/hot-laps/