"It is always good to see that what really is a unique hobby, and small hobby, can be used in our community in a way that gives back to so many organizations that give back to the people of our community."
That from Alex Loewen, President of the Legends Car Club, as he reflected on another successful year of giving for the organization.
In total, the car club doled out $48,781.53 in 2024 to organizations that serve the Pembina Valley.
The funds were raised through several club events. The first of which was its Charity BBQ and Car Show on May 18th and annual the Drive for Cancer on May 25th. The proceeds of both go to support South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR). This year, the combined total was $27,225. The BBQ is a totally donation driven event, and the Drive for Cancer raises money by Legends members gathering pledges.
"I have seen people pay hundreds of dollars for a hot dog, a drink and a bag of chips. It's just wonderful to see every year," noted Loewen.
The Club's next major event of the year was its 20th annual Charity Airport Drag Races, held August 17th and 18th, where 50 per cent of the revenue is donated to three title charities. As well, instead of handing out cash prizes to the winners of each class, the money is also given to a charity of the winner's choice.
This year, the total was just over $11,500.
Benefitting again from the Club's efforts was SCCR, which received $3,579.51 through the drag races. Additionally, Genesis House received $4,329.51, and $3,629.51 went to STARS Air Ambulance.
Other organizations that benefitted are the Altona and Rhineland Emergency Services, who provide support over those two days, receiving $1,500, Sixteen13 Ministries ran the parking area and security and received $1,500, and $1,000 when to The Community Exchange which ran the cold shack.
"This is a massive undertaking [...] and it could not happen without the support of local sponsors and groups who helped us run it," said Loewen in a news release.
At the end of the year the club normally chooses a few charities to give additional funds to. This year, membership chose to give $2,000 to each SCCR, the Pembina Counselling Centre, and the Altona and Area Family Resource Centre.
A longstanding relationship
When asked about the repeated support for SCCR throughout the year, Loewen explained the relationship between the two organizations is a longstanding one, noting SCCR provides a critical service to the region.
"I think you'd be hard pressed to find anybody who hasn't been affected in their family by cancer," he said. "A fact is that in 2008, the Legends Car Club Driver for Cancer raised SCCR's entire operating budget for the whole year. This year, their transportation budget is over $220,000. So, 33-thousand-plus dollars that the car club gave to them this year is just a very small drop in what has turned into a very large bucket. It's something. We are always happy to help in whatever way we can."
With files from Zack Driedger