LAC LA BICHE - A fundraiser in Lac La Biche County that saw locals showcasing their motorcycles, and vintage/sports cars will see funds directed to a special cause to brighten Christmas for families, this year.
The second annual Car Show fundraiser and barbecue hosted by the New Life Victory Church saw several vehicles fill the Vera M. Welsh School’s parking lot on Aug. 13. The unique addition to the area also gives vehicle enthusiasts an opportunity to showcase their rebuilds and connect with others, said Lisa Hrehorets, event organizer and parishioner at the local church.
“It's something different and we felt that the community needed and liked it. We tried it and wanted to see how it works and it seems to be enjoyed by all. In the community itself, there are a lot of nice cars around here that are vintage cars and sports cars. We had hoped that we could use that as an opportunity for them to show it off,” she explained.
Participants paid an entry fee to enter the show and also win prizes and gifts, said Hrehorets.
“It’s an entry fee of $20 and that enters them into a door prize. They also get a welcome kit,” which included a swag bag of detailing accessories and supplies for vehicles, she explained.
Christmas giving
Almost $1,000 was raised at the vehicle show during the afternoon event, which will help support the Perfect Gift Store. Annually, the store facilitates a personal shopping experience for families in need of toys and gifts for their children, said Hrehorets.
“When they come into the store, they get a five-star experience. They sign up online first and then they get a chance to do their private shopping tour,” with a personal shopper to help pick the gifts.
The shopping experience allows parents and caregivers to add a personal touch to the gifts. After the gifts are chosen, gifts are wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree.
One unique purpose of the store is to help families that are not only struggling but families who may not qualify for support from other agencies.
“It’s for people that maybe lost their job during COVID, can’t get back to work… whatever the case may be and they don’t fall into any other programs. We want to fill that gap,” said Hrehorets. “That’s who we are looking to help — anybody that has to make a choice between paying your bills or buying Christmas presents.”
The store will be celebrating its fourth year of giving back, she added.
Throughout the year, churchgoers and community members also raise hundreds of dollars alongside donations to fill the shelves and tables in the room, but the car show has proven to play a big role.
“It was one of our largest fundraisers last year for helping to buy the gifts for missing age groups.”
The program has supplied gifts for over 600 kids from ages two to 17 since it was created, said Hrehorets.
Paying it forward
While a location for this year’s shopping experience is still being selected, one new addition this year is to allow program users to also give back, she said. This year, the normally free registration will require a $10 fee that will be donated to the local food bank, providing an iniativite that gets everyone involved in the spirit of giving, said Hrehorets.
“I think that it’s a principle God set in place to be able to continue to help others; not just take but be part of somebody’s solution. Even though they’re struggling, that $10 might help feed another family for a few meals.”
How to help
Monetary donations to the Perfect Gift Store can be made through the New Life Victory Church website.
Additionally, closer to the Christmas season, bins will be available for community members to donate items, said Hrehorets.
