The Ladies Auxiliary of the Oshawa Chapter held a celebratory banquet this month to mark their 50th anniversary as an organization. “The Backseat Drivers“, named by Harry Mckew, originally formed from wives of chapter members to support Oshawa’s Horseless Carriagemen Chorus in hosting the 1968 District Convention. The group remains active fifty years later, supporting the chorus (now named the Durham Men of Harmony) through sales of homemade fudge, ushering and ticket sales at shows, collecting soup labels, and conducting fundraisers. The group has enabled the chorus to purchase uniforms, riser skirts, a sound system and other requirements of the Chapter. They also financially support charities such as Harmonize for Speech, and occasionally bring guest speakers to meetings. .
The catered banquet, held on November 6th, was well attended by many past members, including a few charter members. A special donation for Harmonize for Speech was presented to George Shields at the event.
Besides the 50th anniversary of the organization, the Auxiliary is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of two of their couples.
Congratulations to The Backseat Drivers on this important milestone. May the lasting friendships that have developed over the years continue for many years to come.
