However, the ex-Sunshine Toyota owner who regularly brought smiles to many household faces has just added some more names to his ongoing list….compassionate, generous, caring.
As long term supporters of Wishlist, Mr McDowell along with his wife Alanna and children Shayna and Jaydon have just pledged a regular $25,000 donation each year to the Coast's health foundation to provide ongoing support for the needs within the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.
The McDowell family donation will initially be directed towards a new, innovative project within the Child Protection Unit supporting abused and neglected children in out of home care, along with an annual research bursary aimed at paediatric care.
"This donation to Wishlist is a genuine thank you to the whole of the Sunshine Coast community from our family. It is our way to give back and say thanks for the opportunities the Coast has provided us," said Mr McDowell.
The McDowells relocated to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney in August 2001 and after 13 years of success with Sunshine Toyota, sold the business to enjoy retirement, family and the Coast lifestyle. Mr McDowell has shared his positive experience of moving to a new town and his appreciation of how the community embraced his business and family in a welcoming and comforting way.
"It is now time for our family to give back a little and show our appreciation for this little community who took us in."
Mr McDowell is full of admiration for others in the local corporate sector who generously give to charity and would like to join the list of big-hearted philanthropists on the Sunshine Coast, along with encouraging others to get on board.
"Our choice to provide Wishlist with our donation was very clear cut," said Ian.
"I have seen how funds have been spent in the past and knowing that our donation will stay on the Coast for the needs of the community is important to our family. I know that the funds I provide will be well used and will always be directed towards priority needs for the Health Service that my family and so many others rely on."
Lisa Rowe, CEO of Wishlist is thrilled with the ongoing donation from the McDowell family and excited to have a very worthwhile project kick started with the first year's donation.
"We have seen time and time again the generosity of the Sunshine Coast and the difference that donations make to our local families. We only need to ask the mother of a sick child or ailing father who once needed to drive to Brisbane for a medical test or procedure, that can now stay close to home," said Ms Rowe.
"Wishlist is truly honoured to receive this ongoing donation from the McDowell family."
