Car show, autocross event will raise funds to send Chilliwack kids to camp

People will have a chance to help send kids to camp next summer with an upcoming classic car fundraiser this month.

The 7th annual Vision Tree Car Show and Autocross Race takes place Saturday, Sept. 18 in the parking lot of Chilliwack Alliance Church.

This year’s event will have rows upon rows of classic cars and hot rods, an autocross race and Hot Wheels car races for kids.

Money raised goes directly towards sending Robertson elementary kids to camp next summer. Camp Kawkawa is a 20-acre Christian camp on the eastern shore of Kawkawa Lake in Hope. Each four-day camping spot is valued at $450, providing opportunities for kids to try zip-lining, archery, waterskiing, tubing and more, allowing for personal development and leadership training.

“For many inner-city families, sending their kids to camp is simply out their financial reach,” said Wayne Massey, chair of the Vision Tree Car Show committee.

Vehicle registration fees and donations collected during the fundraiser will all go towards the initiative.

The show did not happen in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, but in 2019 nearly $15,000 was raised.

“The show is open to anyone who enjoys the car hobby, any make, year, or model,” Massey said. “In 2019 the show featured a colourful array of more than 130 stunning American muscle cars, vintage hot-rods, restored collector, and custom cars and trucks and raised almost $15,000. This was enough to send 37 kids from Robertson school to Camp Kawkawa on Kawkawa Lake in Hope. This was the most students we sent to camp in the seven years that we have been doing this.”

One of the attractions at the show is the autocross, a short race where drivers weave through a course lined with directional cones. They go about 50 to 60 kilometres per hour and it takes about 45 seconds. It’ll take place in the parking lot and only one vehicle will be on the track at a time.

For $50, folks can register for the autocross race, which includes three runs and is limited to 30 participants. Entry fee for the car show is $20. Kids can take part in the Hot Wheels racing (starting at noon) for $5.

Food trucks will also be on site, as well as representatives from Camp Kawkawa.

Fundraisers like this “give the kids an awesome camping trip, and it gives the parents a break,” Massey said. “Each year we hear wonderful reports from the parents and students about their amazing camp experiences.”

The selection process for determining the eligibility of students to go to camp is handled solely by Robertson elementary. Students in Grades 3 to 5 can apply and they are required to write an essay detailing why they would like to go.

The Vision Tree Car Show and Autocross Race takes place in the parking lot of the Chilliwack Alliance Church (8700 Young Rd.) Saturday, Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To register a vehicle for the car show, or to sign up for the autocross, go to mycac.ca/connect/events.

There is no on-site public parking due to the autocross track. Spectators are requested to park at City Hall or on Brooks Avenue.

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