Underneath a blue sky, sunshine cascading down and only a hint of wind... it was a perfect day to go for a drive, and that's exactly what the two dozen, or so, participants in Saturday's Drive for Cancer did. The Legends Car Club organized fundraiser has been happening for more than two decades, and supports South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR).
This year’s route went from Altona to Morris to Carman to Morden Nurseries and back to Altona for a wrap up BBQ at the Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services fire hall.
"It's all about making money for South Central Cancer Resource, and people dropped off their money in different stops along the way, and that's how it all works out for us," shared organizer Lyle Dunsmore late Saturday afternoon. "Everybody's had a contact with someone, sadly more recently than others, who's dealing with cancer."
"We are so thankful for Legends Car Club"
SCCR's Social Media and Project Coordinator Erika Friesen was at the wrap-up BBQ in Altona, and shared a few words with those in attendance.
"They've supported SCCR every single year since SCCR was founded in 2003," she said. "We have been able to count on them and all their supporters, year after year, through events like the Drive for Cancer today, and their fundraising barbecues or their drag races. We are just so happy to know they choose SCCR every year. We are pretty much the main charity they support. Their Drive for Cancer is always 100% to SCCR. They're fundraising BBQ is 100% to SCCR, and those funds all stay right in the community to support cancer patients and their families."
Connecting over cars and community
Alongside the fundraising, the day also gave Legends members the opportunity to showcase their cars and connect with each other along the way.
"We have a couple of newer Corvettes and Mustangs, and that's the thing about our club, if you have an interest in cars, we don't care what it is, just come and be with us," said Dunsmore. "Honestly, most of our members are a little bit longer in the tooth than some of us would like to admit. The grandchildren, and that kind of thing, are always welcome to come along with us too, so it was exciting for all of us people to hang out."
Final numbers were still being worked out as of Saturday, but every single dollar will go to SCCR, and support things such as its transportation program which provides rides to cancer treatment appointments for those needing them as well as mileage support.
"The transportation program is our largest support program that we offer," explained Friesen. "Last year alone, we spent just over $175,000 transporting cancer clients and their families. The volunteer driver coordinators, which we have seven, and volunteer drivers, we have 70 of them, they are very key to this program and its success. We're very proud of the fact we've never left a client without a ride. We have someone available no matter where they are within our region to get our clients where they need to be."
Dunsmore hoped indicated the initial tally from Saturday's Drive for Cancer was $17,750, with some additional dollars still to come in. Along with an upcoming Legends Car Club fundraising BBQ Saturday, May 31st at Hometown Ford in Winkler, he hoped would be in the neighbourhood of $25,000 raised total. That BBQ will be from 10am to 2pm.
