Jeep aficionados from across Western Canada are descending on Christopher Lake this summer to show off their vehicles and hopefully support a few worthy causes.
Led by Jeep Saskatchewan, they’ll be in town for a three-day event, with the goal of raising money for the Lakeland Volunteer Fire Department and acquiring teddy bears to for local police and women’s shelters. Club founder James Babcock said they were looking for ways to enjoy their vehicles while also giving back to the community. He’s confident this event will do both.
“We don’t want to make any money back from this, right, so we thought, ‘what could we do?’” Babcock explained. “We decided that we could donate to the community that we’re in.”
The three-day event is scheduled for July 19-21, and already has more than 70 Jeep owners signed up for the show. They’ll be joined by other clubs from as far away as the Okanagan for a show-n-shine, flex competition and afternoon of off-roading.
They also plan to host children’s activities like inflatable bouncy castles and face painting. Other activities include an outdoor movie and live music.
The club plans to donate some of the proceeds to the fire department, while using the rest to purchase the teddy bears.
Babcock said the club chose the fire department because of their dangerous occupation. He said they chose teddy bears because they wanted to do something for kids, and children who find themselves in a women’s shelter with their mom can use a few toys just like their peers.
“We’re hoping to get a lot of people out there who will bring donations and bridge some teddy bears out for the kids,” Babcock said.
Although Jeep Saskatchewan is still a young club, the members have already become like a family. The club’s goal is to make everyone feel welcome, regardless of how expensive their vehicle is. Babcock said he’s hoping events like this one will help increase that feeling.
“It’s a good following to get behind,” he said. “With this club, nobody is left out.”
The inaugural Jeep Saskatchewan Charity Show-and-Shine will be held from July 19-21 at Sunnyside Beach Bar in Christopher Lake.