Rainy conditions didn’t stop the Legends Car Club from hosting another successful Drive for Cancer on May 25.
The annual event raises much-needed funds for South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR), which supports cancer patients throughout the region.
This drive followed a successful BBQ fundraiser hosted by the Club on May 18 at Janzen Chevrolet in Winkler. Both events raised a combined total of $24,690.
“In spite of the smaller turnout for this year’s drive, that number is pretty consistent with what we’ve usually raised during the 25 years we’ve held this event,” said club member and volunteer driver Lyle Dunsmore. “It boggles my mind how here in Southern Manitoba, when the need is there, people just step forward and give. It’s almost unbelievable when you think about it.”
The drive began at The Gardens on Tenth in Altona. Due to the weather, drivers followed a revised route that took them from Altona to Morris, then to Winkler, and back to Altona.
At each stop, pledges were collected, contributing to the fundraising total. Participants could also join the 50/50 Poker Run.
The day culminated with a barbecue at West Park Motors, providing a chance for participants and supporters to gather and celebrate their efforts.
“We had about 15 classic vehicles at various stages of the route,” Dunsmore said. “Normally, we would have about 30 to 40 classic or special interest vehicles. But it’s not really about the number of cars that show up. You could have 150 cars, but if nobody goes out and gets pledges, this whole thing doesn’t work. Often, the money comes from people who would not normally even think of leaving a donation to the Cancer Resource, but this event gives them an avenue to do that.”
Over the years, Legends has lost a number of members to cancer, and there are other members who are currently facing it.
“As we get older, we know more and more people who are dealing with it. The SCCR has become a resource for some of us, as well. So, as long as we can do this event, we’ll keep doing it. None of us is getting any younger.”
The need for support has steadily increased. Dunsmore said the $25,000 they raised at one of their first events decades ago represented SCCR’s total annual fuel budget to drive people to Winnipeg for their appointments.
“Last year their budget was $207,000 for fuel. So the need is not getting smaller, but we’re still doing what we can. I’m always amazed that when the money is needed, somehow, it’s there. You never hear them say, ‘Sorry we’ve run out of money.’ They just keep going on. The stuff they do for people at Cancer Resource is extremely important.”
As a non-profit organization, SCCR relies on the support of community donors, volunteers and fundraising to provide transportation and accommodation assistance to those dealing with cancer, as well as a lymphedema program, wigs and head coverings, skin screening clinics, radon awareness testing, and wellness programs.
Raising funds for SCCR is a labour of love for the car club.
“I’d rather be the one who’s asked to help instead of the one who is asking for help. It might be so hard for some people to accept the fact that they need somebody else. But if you need to go to Winnipeg for a treatment, and you don’t own a vehicle, somebody has to take you. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but South Central Cancer Resource is there,” Dunsmore said.
“Everybody that came for this event has at least five people they know who have had cancer or are dealing with it now. That’s a big crowd when you put all those people together. This is a proactive way to do something about it.”
