The Hwy 43 Car Club was formed a decade ago and is now the biggest in Ontario. The club meets every Friday night in the Food Basics parking lot. It all started back in 2005 when the Kemptville Youth Centre put out an ad looking for creative ways to fundraise. The Field of Chrome Car Show was born and from it rose the weekly Cruise Nights. The club was officially formed in 2008. President Rod Rafter says it’s all about the people.
It started out with about 30 members and has grown to over 430. The club runs four major car shows each year and rather than charge admission, collects food and donations for local food banks. At the recent Father’s Day Show and Shine, the club got six trailer loads of food and over $800 for the Kemptville Salvation Army. Rafter says giving back is key.
Every year the club visits four or five long-term care facilities in the area. This year they are heading out to visit seniors in Manotick, Winchester, Kemptville and Merrickville. Rafter says the people love seeing the vehicles.
The club’s next big event is the 5th annual BMR Winchester Car Show on August 12, which will benefit Community Food Share and the House of Lazarus Food Bank. For more details about the club, click here.Â
