It’s Volunteer Appreciation Day on 94.1 myFM presented by Williams Funeral Home.
Today we’re shining a light on five individuals who have made a name for themselves in the community by giving back through a number of great causes.
The death two years ago of a St. Thomas woman was all the motivation Tony Bendel needed to launch his cross-Canada safety campaign.
Thirty-five-year-old Cindy Devine of St. Thomas was killed in a fiery crash on Highbury Avenue north of St. Thomas. Her vehicle was struck head on by an impaired driver. She survived the impact, only to die when her vehicle caught fire.
Literally days after the crash, Bendel launched his Extinguishers for Cindy program.
Hand in hand with the extinguisher initiative is the push for stricter impaired driving legislation.
Most encouraging for Bendel is the quick response in this country and elsewhere to the push for mandatory inclusion of fire extinguishers in vehicles. Something already in place for commercial vehicles.
In addition, Bendel has long been known for his work with Lord Elgin Branch 41 Royal Canadian Legion. In particular his efforts with Veterans Memorial Garden, located on Moore Street and officially opened in 2017.
You can hear more from Tony Bendel in our extended interview below…
Written by: Ian McCallum
