The Milton H.O.G. Chapter started collecting "Pop Tabs" in the fall of 1993. This is how it all began. 

One of the chapter members, Louise Musselwhite’s nephew Robert, was involved in that terrible accident in 1993. Her mother read an article in Reader's Digest in September 1993, entitled "Heroes for Today" written by Priti Yelaga, which also ran in the Kitchener Waterloo Record.

The article was about two men at the Royal Canadian Legion in Elora who collected "Pop Tabs" for Wheelchairs.  Louise and her Mom thought this might be the answer for Robert, as he was hoping to get a "sports wheelchair".  Louise made a dozen phone calls until she finally reached the two men involved.  She spoke to Jack Baumber, explained who she was and why she was calling. Louise explained what she was hoping Milton H.O.G. would do to help her nephew and their "Pop Tabs for Wheelchairs" endeavour.  She assured Mr. Baumber she represented "good bikers" and asked him if he would mind if her fellow "bikers" came to Elora with our offer of "Pop Tabs".   Jack said he would welcome any amount of "Pop Tabs" we could give them, and that the bikers would be most welcomed in Elora.  He also said he would be adding Robert's name to his waiting list.

After that phone call, at the next Milton H.O.G. Chapter meeting; who were only about 87 strong at the time, Louise gave those in attendance an update of Robert's condition.  Many of the members knew about her nephew's accident, as it had happened August 7, 1993 the same time as the Regional Rally in August of 1993, which Doug, Graham, Louise and her son had attended. Cousins Graham and Robert were only 17 at the time.  As you might appreciate, this terrible news hit the family very hard.  

After learning more about "Pop Tabs for Wheelchairs" Louise asked the Milton H.O.G. Chapter if they would consider saving "Pop Tabs" for the rest of the year, the idea being to hold a "ride" to Elora in the fall of 1994. 

Milton H.O.G. Chapter members got their families and friends involved.  Everyone started saving "Pop Tabs" at their kid's schools, their work places and their churches.  That first run was beautiful; it was about 90 strong. With "Pop Tabs" tied to the bikes, they headed off to Elora.  They had managed to save about 800 pounds of tabs in less then a year. Understandably, Louise was very proud of Milton H.O.G. Chapter members.   

Louise still has the first route map.   She remembers the group looked like a ribbon of bikes snaking their way along the road.  Her husband Doug and she were riding sweep along with Graham, on his own bike, and John Rosinski.  Wolf Dams was one of the Road Captains. Louise said “It was a beautiful sight, we looked like poetry in motion, and I will never forget it.  Here I am getting all misty eyed, just telling you the story.”  

When they arrived at the Elora Legion, Louise was expecting an opportunity for everyone to have a "rest break" and a hot cup of coffee.  To her surprise, they were greeted with a light lunch and country music. Everyone had a blast. 

At our next Milton H.O.G. Chapter meeting as Louise was thanking everyone for their efforts and their help a member asked “Aren't we doing this again next year?” The membership responded “Hey, it's a great cause! We want to do it again. Why not involve our sister chapters?” 

This is how Robert's Run began.  Robert got his chair in 2002. We are approaching our 16th Annual Robert's Run and we are getting "Pop Tabs" from people, from all walks of life.  We all look forward to seeing our old friends in Milton and our "Sister Chapters as well.  We also call "Robert's Run" our "Feel Good Run".

When Robert's Run first began, Glen Fraser, the Chapter’s then editor called it ..."Charity that will not cost you a cent".  When people would hear of the "Spring ... Robert's Run" (the time of the event was changed some years ago) they wanted to join in.  They would say, but we have no "Pop Tabs", can we give cash instead?  Because of this, we introduced the donation jar, and at the request of our membership, a 50/50 draw.   

Once the “Pop Tabs" are handed over to the Legion, their "tab committee" decides who will benefit from the next chair, or whatever aid, they purchase with the proceeds from the "Pop Tabs". 

Wheelchair costs depend completely on what the person using it requires. The people who benefit from the chair, own the chair.  One year the Legion used the proceeds to purchase a large tri-cycle so a wee boy born with a spinal birth defect could play with his friends. A couple of years ago the Legion  used the proceeds from Milton's Pop Tabs along with what they already had, to purchase a "scooter" for a lady who was confined to a wheelchair due to arthritis. This lovely lady entertained everyone two years ago with her guitar, she also plays guitar at her church gatherings.

We hope to see you at the 2009 Roberts’ Run on May 24th leaving the Mohawk Inn (Guelph Line just north of the 401) at 11 am.