Cruisin’ for a Cause fundraiser returns to support medical rides in southeast

The rumble of classic cars will once again be heard through Steinbach streets and highways this September, all in support of medical transportation for people in need. 

The Country Classics Car Club is gearing up for its third annual Cruisin’ for a Cause fundraiser, with proceeds directed to the Pat Porter Active Living Centre’s medical transportation program. 

Supporting those in need 

Organizer Sandy Kihn says the event was created to help individuals facing financial barriers to accessing medical appointments. 

“Cruisin’ for a Cause is a fundraiser. We are raising money for medical transportation for people who can’t afford it,” she explains. “It is for those that are having a hard time. Cost of living and sickness comes upon us very quickly, and they don’t budget for it. So this is to help those that are really in need and just can’t get to their appointments.” 

(L-R) Sandy Kihn, Audrey Harder, Gary Reimer.

The Pat Porter Active Living Centre administers the program, coordinating volunteer drivers and an accessible van. All funds raised go directly toward rides. 

Kihn says the community response has been strong since the first event in 2022. “Our first year was $8,000 and we doubled it last year to $16,000,” she says. “We want to do really good in the community and help people.” 

Kickoff event this week 

The fundraising campaign begins with a special evening on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the McMunn and Yates parking lot in Steinbach. 

Starting at 6:30 p.m., car club members will gather for a casual cruise night, joined by local food vendors including Tin Lizzy Lunch Box and Dexter’s Mini Donuts. Attendees can enjoy the show of vehicles, visit with club members, and make donations at a tent hosted by both the car club and staff from the Pat Porter Active Living Centre. 

Donations can be made by cash or cheque, with tax receipts issued for contributions of $20 or more. 

Club member Gary Reimer says the event is meant to be welcoming and family-friendly. 

“We are a bunch of guys that are car enthusiasts. We have hot rods, muscle cars, antiques and special interest vehicles, but we want to help the community,” he says. “Anybody can stop by and see us, and non-members who are car enthusiasts can park with us. On this particular night, we’d like to invite people to donate for our cause.” 

Main fundraiser on Sept. 6 

The main Cruisin’ for a Cause ride takes place Saturday, Sept. 6. Participants will gather at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre for registration and coffee before embarking on a three-to-four hour drive. 

Along the way, the group will stop at Providence University College as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. The route will include a parade down Steinbach’s Main Street before winding through rural communities. 

The cruise concludes back at the Pat Porter Centre, where members and guests will share a meal and tally the fundraising total. 

Kihn says the tradition has become emotional for both organizers and recipients. “One hundred percent of all the monies that we raise go to the Pat Porter Centre so they can facilitate this program,” she says.

A growing need 

For Audrey Harder, executive director of the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, the car club’s support has been transformative. 

“My heart feels full when you have community taking care of community,” she says. “The longer we’ve had it, the more we’ve learned to facilitate it better. We’ve connected with other organizations, and it’s grown beyond Steinbach to include the entire southeast.” 

Harder explains that the need for rides is significant, whether to Winnipeg for specialist care or to local clinics. Between October 2023 and May 2024, the program provided 665 rides for more than 230 individuals, at a value of more than $10,000. 

“When you help one person, it’s huge. When you help 200 people, that’s massive,” Harder says. “And you’re helping them at a very difficult time. To be unwell and to need to ask for help is hard. But when you provide that ride, it’s one less thing for them to worry about.” 

She emphasizes that the service is open to all ages, not only seniors. “If you have a disability, physical or otherwise, you can use our accessible program. If you don’t, you can use our volunteer program. Any age can get assistance.” 

More than cars 

While Cruisin’ for a Cause centres on cars, the organizers say it is ultimately about community. 

Kihn admits she has been moved by the program’s impact. “We never realized the program would be so much on people’s minds and hearts,” she says. “Our club is not just about Steinbach—we have members outside the community too—and we want to make sure we are far reaching.” 

Harder agrees, noting that the event raises awareness as well as money. “Sometimes you donate to something and you’re not sure where that money goes. Here, you know exactly where it goes,” she says. “At some point in our lives, any one of us might need a ride. That’s what we’re here for.” 

For more information about Cruisin’ for a Cause or to follow the Country Classics Car Club, updates and photos are posted regularly on the group’s Facebook page. 

-With files from Adi Loewen.