Leslie

“I have been involved with ACK for 25 years and a director for 18 years. My initial role was organizing the Silent and Live auctions at the Annual FUNDAY. After the tragic death of Bruce, I was asked to take over the role of Chairperson.

My favourite thing about ACK is the spirit of the people involved over the last 25 years. The directors, volunteers and participants have been so supportive, digging deep to do what they can for the cause while having so much FUN organizing the events. I believe this is a unique combination.”

Mark Z

“As President I help coordinate the work of the Board of Directors. The camaraderie of the group and the spirit of all the Buckster participants is what I love most about ACK.

One thing I wish people knew about ACK? That ALL work is done on a voluntary basis by a dedicated Board of Directors. ACK has no overhead costs, with all funds raised going to the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation.”

Jake

“Originally I was the Director in charge of our annual Shave to Raise event, and that morphed into various roles; including working with all sound, lighting, and entertainment for FUNDAY.

I have worked with children my entire life, and the joy that they can bring to anyone who is close enough to feel the effects is immeasurable. I could only imagine how difficult it is to have a child, or to be a child, who requires services at the Montreal Children's Hospital, and wanted to be involved, in a community-based way, with helping to make the programs, or the experience of the hospital just a little bit easier, or more accessible.”

Jeff

“I very much believe in what Bruce Charron once told me... "it is everyone's responsibility to give back in any way we can.” Working with Bucksters happens to be the best and most awesomest way I've found to do so, and I currently head up our fundraising efforts.

My favourite FUNDAY memory is definitely my very first one. I sat down at the dinner after a day of golf and before the first plate hit the MC queued Rolling Stone's "Start Me Up" and the entire room hit the dance floor. The dance floor was packed from that moment to the wee hours.”

Tegan

“We always work together as a team to get things done, but my role formally covers marketing activities including communications with Bucksters, our website and overseeing social media.

The spirit, fun and endless generosity of the Buckster community inspires me to do everything I can to make a positive impact for the children who need our help. When I arrived in Montreal from the UK I wanted to find ways to connect with, and give back to, the local community. ACK has become an extended family for me, and an incredibly fulfilling way to be of service to those in need.”

Don

“Andy Collins was one of my best friends. We did a lot of crazy things together over the years. He proved himself to be a person of high values, character and integrity (he could also drink). ACK originally was 12 guys who decided at Andy's wake at the MAA to keep in touch and play golf once a year. "Oh ya Andy liked kids; why don't we all throw $100 into a pot and donate it to the MCH.? Yeah; good idea!"

And that's how it all started. Seeing it grow into something none of us ever imagined it would become has been the most rewarding aspect of my involvement with ACK.”

Collette

“Andy was my husband's brother. He was always full of life, and he lived life to the fullest! If he could have 5 minutes back on earth to see the impact his legacy has had over the last 27 years he would be very proud and speechless! (Perhaps not speechless, Andy was never short of words...).

ACK is important to me because our contributions support an infrastructure that saves children's lives, and creates a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for children needing medical care.”

Sarah

“This year I will be coordinating the volunteers at FUNDAY, and have volunteered on-course myself for many years.

ACK is important to me because we primarily focus on supporting hospital programs that bring happiness, laughter, and confidence to its patients, like Dr. Clown, Art and Music Therapy, and Tip of the Toes (an expedition program for young people living with cancer). It's hard to even imagine the hardship these children are faced with daily so I feel honoured to know ACK can perhaps play a part in brightening their days.”

Anu

“I got involved on the board of directors in spring 2020. Since then, I have been involved a bit everywhere, from event planning to decorations and theme design, and finally to helping organize the volunteers and food served on the green!

The beauty of FUNDAY is way more than just the event; it's all the planning, the anticipation, and the passion of everyone there - and I'm not just talking about the directors. From the Bucksters in their costumes to the excited volunteers wanting to make this the best day for the attendees, it's so heartwarming to know that it is all for the kids!”

Lyndsay

“I started with ACK in 2023 as the co-decorator for FUNDAY as well as additional support for Shave to Raise. This has been such a wonderful experience that has allowed me to blend two passions of mine: event coordination and volunteering.

I have been passionate about volunteering for over a decade, and have continually ensured to give back to my community. What drew me to ACK was this focus on the community. It has allowed me to foster new and old connections, all the while being able to give back in a meaningful way. I am so grateful to able to make a differences in the lives of those who need it most. ”

Matteo

“I was asked to play at FUNDAY in the summer of 2023. Only problem (or so I thought) was that I didn’t play golf. I realized soon after the first tee, when the foursome in front of me (1) cracked open a beer and then (2) shanked the ball 27 yards left directly into a golf cart, that this was not about the golf… it was about the FUN – I was instantly HOOKED.

A kid should only have to worry about one thing – being a KID – that is why ACK is so important to me. I was fortunate enough to have had a good childhood, I therefore believe it is my duty and responsibility to help other children have the same experience.”

Alexandra

“My favourite memory of FUNDAY was helping out with the live and silent auction as a young girl. I was fascinated with this massive event that drew people together from far and wide. It is always the party of the summer! And now I head up logistics for ACK.

We all have busy lives and life seems to go by in a flash. What I love about ACK is it really allows us to slow down, come together as a community and help those in need.”

Alex

“My role in ACK started off with helping organize our annual Shave to Raise fundraiser, which I love and still do! In addition to that, I now also help with our social media accounts and am taking on co-decorating for our FUNDAY.

ACK is beyond important to me because it is a way to give back to my community and pay it forward. I can't imagine how hard it is to need the services of the Montreal Children's Hospital, for the child and their families, so I'm grateful to be able to help or make their experience a little more manageable.”

Ryan

“I was first introduced to FUNDAY about 8 years ago, and instantly fell in love with the energy and purpose of the event. As a former camp counselor at Montreal West Day Camp, I have always been passionate about making a difference in children’s lives - whether something as small as making sure my campers had a good day at camp or now supporting crucial programs at the MTL Children’s Hospital.

Joining the board was a no-brainer. I saw the drive and dedication of the group and knew I wanted to be part of this amazing adventure. Thus far my role has been to support the Board with my contacts in the Spirit and Wine business, securing sponsors from the restaurant industry, and supporting the team in any way I can.”

Board of directors.