The Legends Car Club is getting ready for the return of its annual Drive for Cancer. The fundraiser for South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR) is happening Saturday, May 24th with the starting point for the run in Altona at the Sun Valley Co-op Food store parking lot.
"We have done it for like 25 years in support of South Central Cancer Resource, which the main part we try to help cover is the cost of getting people rides to Winnipeg," said Legends member Lyle Dunsmore who dropped by the studio to tell us about this year's event. "I think it would be safe to say we're over $250,000 that we've raised. The people who need the rides, a lot of them have no other way to get there, so we try to help where we can."
The money raised by the Drive for Cancer supports SCCR's transportation program, the largest part of the non-profit's operations. Participants are asked to collect pledges ahead of the event. Dunsmore has a personal connection to SCCR as a volunteer driver for the transportation program.
Why continue year after year?
"Obviously, we have old cars we like to drive, so what better way to raise money and drive your car to five different places and come back and eat, it doesn't get better than that," said Dunsmore with a chuckle. "It's something that was kind of near and dear to our car club in general, and something we can do and partake in our endeavors at the same time."
Drive for Cancer details
Registration begins Saturday morning at 930am, with everyone heading out together around 1030am. This year's route will take participants from Altona to Piston Ring in Morris, then lunch at Syl's in Carman, followed by a stop at Morden Nurseries and then back to the Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services fire hall for the wrap up BBQ. Along the way a poker derby will be happening, with $10 hands available for purchase and the money being split, with half going to the winners and the other half to SCCR.
"The people involved, it only works because they go out and get the pledges, and that only works if people give them pledges," noted Dunsmore. "Our members are very diligent at getting out and getting people to sign up pledges. Every penny of it goes to South Central Cancer Resource. If there's other costs incurred, then the car club covers that out of our own finances."
Dunsmore also had a few thank you's to share including Pioneer Meat, Sun Valley Co-op, Barry at Page Print and a special shout out to the fire department for being the host of the end of day BBQ.
Meanwhile, you can also support the Legends Car Club's fundraising efforts May 31st with Don Bergen organizing a BBQ and car show at Winkler's Hometown Ford with proceeds going to support South Central Cancer Resource.
You can listen to the entire conversation between Lyle Dunsmore and CFAM Radio 950 Morning Show Co-Host Chris Sumner, below.