Car buffs will have a chance to show off their stuff and chip in and help the hungry Saturday at the Collector Appreciation Day Cruise In and food bank drive.
The 12th annual event is organized by the Specialty Vehicle Association of BC (SVABC) and is scheduled to take place at the downtown Penticton Burger 55 location from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12.
In recognition of the association’s efforts in giving back through financial contributions which come from classic car shows like the recent Peach City Beach Cruise, B.C. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon has proclaimed July 12 and the month of July as Collector Car Appreciation Day and Month.
“This is the first time we’ve had this particular event here and it’s just to recognize all the car enthusiasts in the province and what they give back to the communities where they live,” said Bob Kelly, a local SVABC director.
“Some of them help charities through events like the different car shows such as the Peach City Beach Cruise and the Endless Summer Car show and Boyd’s (Father’s Day Car show) and the McCurdy Corner Cruise In (Kelowna) where they have a 50-50 draw every week.
“In 2013, on average $5,000 per event was generated by 214 car shows.
“In addition, these clubs support food banks, show their vehicles to folks in seniors homes, support local hospital foundations, as well as mechanical courses at local high schools, and volunteers even drive students to their graduation proms.”
One example he pointed to was the Rodtiques Car Club of Penticton tool box program which for over 11 years has donated a tool box, loaded with tools, to the top mechanical grad student.
The Beach Cruise, which took place last month, is one of the Valley’s largest and most popular events, attracting participants from throughout the United States and Canada.
Once again this year hundreds of vehicles of all makes, models, shapes and sizes took part in the three-day automotive festival. The annual Endless Summer Show and Shine is organized by the Summerland-based Apple Valley Cruisers car club.
The ninth annual event this year takes place Saturday, Sept. 13 at Memorial Park in Summerland.
Kelly added the charities are not the only ones that benefit, millions of dollars go into the local economy from those who attend from out of town and the huge input from the locals who spend considerable dollars restoring and maintaining their labours of love.
“We have lots of businesses supporting the events and the organizers (of the shows) believe that any profits should go back to charity,” said Kelly.
“But it’s usually the individuals who are the important part of all this because if you’re not charity minded I guess you won’t be doing it but most of us are volunteers and we do believe in it.”
The appreciation event is open to everyone and organizers ask people to bring a non-perishable food item.