LAC LA BICHE — On Aug. 14, a vintage style vehicle show and shine event to raise funds to provide Christmas gifts for families facing financial hardships is set to take place at Vera M. Welsh Elementary School with registration starting at 9 a.m.
The local non-for-profit, The Perfect Gift Store, is hosting its first annual show and shine motor vehicle fundraiser, which will include a short driving tour around Lac La Biche at 10 a.m., a food truck, face painting and of course, cotton candy and popcorn, says Angie Werk, a volunteer event organizer.
Werk says this first-time event is a part of an all-year push to raise enough donations to provide local parents and families with a unique Christmas shopping experience where they are able to select gifts they know their children will love, even though they may be struggling financially.
Support is offered to anyone in need, “Whether it has been from COVID, or weather affected farmers, or the oilfield workers that have experienced severe cutbacks, or job loss, or just everyday hardworking people that just need a little help.” she says. With community support, volunteers are doing their best to provide new and age-appropriate gifts so families who need a helping hand during the holiday season don’t have to make the heart-wrenching choice between food on the table or gifts under the tree for their kids.
Last Christmas, the non-profit saw an increase in demand for the Christmas boutique services, while simultaneously seeing a drop in private donor support, says Werk. Organizers are hopeful a summer-time event could become the group’s largest annual fundraising activity.
Individuals interested in participating in the show can register for $20 or bring in an unopened toy to donate. All proceeds raised will go to The Perfect Gift Store.
“Fun prizes” with be also given to all participants, Werk boasts, adding that three categorizes will be announced closer to the event date, offering the chance for riders with hot wheels to take home additional prizes.
