A popular vintage car show that raises money for children is set for July 25.
Aurora Hickey
Kicker
The 7th annual Wheels for Wishes car show is taking place on July 25 at Bristol Court on Kelsey Drive.
Wheels for Wishes is a volunteer-run event raising money to help children within the province.
Leon House, the founder of Wheels for Wishes, says the project started six years ago, over a cup of coffee with friends.
“We put it together so that it would enable all people who are car people or motorcycle people to come out and try to make a difference for children’s charity,” said House.
At the time, there were nine people in the volunteer group; now there are 10, along with many other people who volunteer on the day of the event.
House says the vendor space is fully booked, and there is something for everyone as all vendors are different.
“We don’t ever have two vendors selling the same thing; each vendor comes based on the fact that they give a donation based on sales,” House said. “When they have a great day, we have a great day. We make sure there’s no competition for them.”
House says the event requires a lot of preparation, and planning is a team effort.
“It is the largest car show in Newfoundland and Labrador, without a doubt, and we’re proud of that,” said House. “Of the 10 of us, everybody has a different job.”
House says that the group is currently in the charity review stage.
“We don’t want to have it so it’s always in the same place,” House said. “If there’s a bigger need with a local grassroots charity, we go there.”
In the last two years, Wheels for Wishes has donated their funds to Candlelighters.
Candlelighters is a group that helps children who have been diagnosed with childhood cancer and their families.
“Right now, we’ve changed from doing national charities; it has to be a local home-grown charity within Newfoundland and Labrador,” House said.
Last year Wheels for Wishes raised $50,500.
“One hundred per cent of the money goes to charity, and none of it can be spent for administration. All proceeds have to go to the children.”
Rose and Vince Oakley have been volunteering with Wheels for Wishes since the beginning.
Oakley says she has known House for about 45 years and when he started this project she knew she had to get on board.
“We’ve been with Wheels for Wishes since 2019 since they first started, but the last three years we do it in memory of my brother,” Oakley said.
Oakley says her favorite part of the event is watching everything come together.
“I can’t get through the hour without crying,” said Oakley. “This year gone by, I cried the whole time I was there.”
Last year, the event saw over 600 cars turn out for the show. House says this year the number won’t be the same; it will be higher.
House said you don’t have to like cars to attend the event.
“The event definitely started as a car show, but it’s turned into more than that now,” House said. “A lot of people come to be a part of the day. It’s a big party the whole time.”
The event is open to all ages, and House says all are welcome.
Be the first to comment