Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Bunny Bundle Canoe Race

 

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: Bunny Bundle Canoe Race – Paddling for a Purpose"

In the vibrant tapestry of CFPL TV Chronicles, a delightful chapter unfolds, harking back to the late 1960s and 1970s, when the annual Bunny Bundle Canoe Race painted the city of London, Ontario, with hues of camaraderie, community spirit, and a dash of whimsy.

Bill Brady waves to fans near the finish line in Fanshawe Park.

Guiding this cherished tradition was the charismatic Bill Brady, a familiar voice as the major spokesman for the London Free Press newspaper, CFPL Radio, and CFPL TV. As the Bunny Bundle Canoe Race took center stage each mid-April, it was more than a race – it was a celebration of creativity, community, and the spirit of giving.

At the helm of one of the motley boats in this aquatic festivity was the lovable Frank Proctor, donning the persona of Mr. Hoolihan from Sunshine School. His vessel, a whimsically crafted boat courtesy of the CFPL TV prop carpentry department led by Walt Staziak, became another symbol of the community's dedication to a greater cause.

The Bunny Bundle Canoe Race was no ordinary spectacle; it was a collective effort fueled by the enthusiasm of schoolchildren who donated their pennies to join the cause. The Thames River played host to a flotilla of homemade boats and canoes, each one a testament to the boundless imagination and collaborative spirit of the participants.

The race's scenic route mirrored the meandering spirit of the Thames, some starting as far away as St. Mary's but many more at the bridge at Plover Mills Road and culminating in the serene waters of Lake Fanshawe.

Beneath the surface of this joyous event lay a deeper purpose – supporting the Ontario Society for Crippled Children, (later, the Easter Seals Society) an organization that traced its roots to the efforts of the Rotary Club. The Bunny Bundle Canoe Race was a collaborative initiative that resonated with the community's dedication to assisting children with physical disabilities.

While the race stole the spotlight, the behind-the-scenes magic was orchestrated by ordinary individuals like my own mom, Trudy Carroll, an administrative assistant with the Crippled Kids Society, whose role was a humble yet essential thread in the larger tapestry of community support. The London Rotary Club's continued commitment and the collective generosity of the community worked hand-in-hand to weave a narrative of compassion and care.

In the grand tradition of CFPL TV Chronicles, the Bunny Bundle Canoe Race remains a poignant reminder of the transformative impact that a simple race could have on the lives of those in need. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community, the joy of giving, and the timeless ripple effect of compassion.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.