OTTAWA, ON — Members of the Heavy Duty Distributor Council (HDDC) raised over $85,000 for the SickKids Foundation at their annual conference, held in Gatineau, QC., from May 31 to June 3.

Ian Johnston, HDDC’s president, commented: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible generosity of our members who attended the charity, volunteered and held individual efforts to fundraise. We are proud supporters of the SickKids and are honoured to be presenting the Foundation with such a significant contribution.”

Over 200 people attended the conference, which featured a charity auction and reception with prize draws, live bidding and silent-auction tables. This year’s fundraiser surpassed last year’s record of $62,885 in donations raised.

The HDDC general meeting focused on passing bylaws required by the new Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act and voting on a new name. The organization will be rebranded as the Heavy Duty Association of Canada and will make the switch over the course of the year.

The conference will make a move to Markham, ON next year and will be held from May 30 to June 2 at the Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham Conference Centre.