Cause For Applause
A writing project aimed at pleasing the kids and grandkids takes on a larger role in saving young lives
For years, my children and grandchildren had been telling me that I should write my autobiography. My reply had always been a variation of the same theme: “As soon as I know what to put in and what to leave out, I’ll write it.“
While wintering in Yuma, Ariz., several years ago, I decided to write about some of the things that had taken place while I owned a trucking company. I purchased a computer and learned to type—at the age of 75. Once I had everything entered on the computer, I asked a young fellow who worked at the local Staples in Yuma to come by and help me put it in book form and get it ready for a printer.
I called the book Keep the Wheels Down. Although autobiographical in nature, I don’t think it was exactly the autobiography my kids and grandkids were expecting. It turned out to be more of a collection of short action stories, primarily dealing with my challenges, adventures and travels in the trucking business.
It also included a tribute of sorts to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, which does amazing work—verging on the miraculous at times— on behalf of sick kids and their families. One of our now fully grown grandchildren had open-heart surgery shortly after his birth, prior to the opening of the “The Stollery” within the University of Alberta Hospital’s premises in October 2001. And so our family knows all too well how important quality care can be. Today, my grandson is a father himself and works for the engineering company whose head, Bob Stollery, founded the Stollery Charitable Foundation and was a major catalyst in the creation of this outstanding children’s hospital. It seemed fitting to me to support the good works taking place at this amazing facility. Once my book was properly formatted, I met with a printer and ordered a sufficient quantity for family and
friends, and fundraising initiatives as well.
After receiving my print order, I took a copy of the book with me when I went to have my usual morning coffee with a group of friends. To my surprise, everyone wanted a copy.
“Tell you what,” I said, “I’ll sell you each a copy and the profits will be donated to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton.”
My friends were happy to support such a worthy organization, and that marked the beginning of what has become an ongoing fundraising campaign.
Although the first edition was not even properly edited, it struck a chord with readers, and garnered solid financial support for The Stollery.
Now in its fourth edition, copies of Keep the Wheels Down have been sold in every province of Canada, as well as in the Northwest Territories. The book has also reached readers in roughly 25 different states in the U.S.A., as well as in Mexico, Costa Rica, England and Australia. It’s been written up in local newspapers and two national magazines and is available in more than 20 libraries in Alberta.
$25,000 RAISED
I have since written three more books, with the proceeds also going to The Stollery. Tips, Trips and Tours provides helpful travel hints and describes some of my experiences in the more than 70 countries I have visited over the years.
Next came the autobiography I had promised my kids and grandkids, which comes complete with a full range of photos, past and present.
My latest endeavour is A Prairie Lighthouse, which focuses on one of the oldest country churches in Alberta. Founded in the late 1880s by German settlers, this small church operates what is believed to be the longest-running ladies group in Canada, dating back to 1889.
Since the publication of my first book back in 2012 through to today, I’m proud to say that the Stollery Children’s Hospital has received more than $25,000 in proceeds from my book sales. I good knowing that
the money is helping a fine institution that many describe as the best children’s hospital west of Toronto. In my own small way, I’m helping children in desperate need of care, just like my grandson
needed help years ago.
I am now 80, using a walker or a cane as need be, and I’m still going around selling books for a good cause—if you’d like a copy, write to me at valmohr@aol.com. ■