CLUB: TOPLESS IN TILLSONBURG
WORDS BY MICHELLE BABCOCK PHOTOS MYKAYLA BABCOCK M-LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
Cross Country Jeepers held their Annual Go Topless Day event on May 26, 2018 in Tillsonburg, Ontario. The day started at 8 am as we set up for the big event. We began registration at 10 am and handed out goody bags to 50 Jeeps and 75 people. Then the convoy rolled down to the ridge in Port Burwell for photos, both groups and individuals posing with their Jeeps. The Jeep convoy then returned to Tillsonburg to enjoy the vendors, a barbeque, and prizes.
There were youth activities such as a petting zoo called 6 Day Zoo, which has furry critters and reptiles. This year’s fundraising collected $910, which was donated to Courageous Companions. This is a nonprofit organization that provides quality trained certified service dogs to Military Veterans and First Responders who suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). They provide service dogs at no charge, and they rely entirely on donations from individuals, businesses and service organizations.
Go Topless Day has been around for 11 years. It originated back in 2008 when All Things Jeep started it in Lancaster, MA with about 80 jeeps. This is Cross Country Jeepers third year. Our first year’s funds went to Tim Horton’s Youth Leadership Camp and last year was the John Sweeney Program for Homeless Veterans.
Preparation for this event starts in October with donation request letters being sent as far as the United States. A lot of work, time, and effort are put into planning such a huge event but it is so much fun and the results are gratifying.
Planning for next year is already in the works as we try to decide on an organization to assist. We would also like to add more vendors and activities for youth. Our Go Topless Day is a family-oriented event. We hope to see plenty more Jeeps and participants out next year as our event grows.
We want to thank our generous sponsors including 4WDrive, Jegs, All Things Jeep, Jeep Daddy, Rugged Ridge, Rock Spyder, Cascadia, Off Road Addiction, Blackfly and everyone else who was so generous with prizes and their efforts
Our Facebook page is Cross Country Jeepers. Feel free to email us at ccjeeper2016@gmail.com.