Car show aficionados are in for a treat on July 16, 2022. The Local HERO Foundation will be hosting its inaugural Car Show at the Fort McMurray Legion in Waterways. The fundraiser will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Local HERO – Helicopter Emergency Response Organization was founded nine years ago. On the first day alone, the group completed three medevacs. The organization is funded in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and Alberta Health Services. Additionally, several oil sands/pipeline industry partners contribute with multi-year agreements.

“We are also supported by local community groups and businesses both with financial and gift- in-kind sponsorships. Individual donations, fundraising events and grants provide additional funding. We are also an agency of the United Way. Our fixed funding is approximately 3.5 million dollars a year. HERO must raise an additional 750 thousand to 1 million per year to cover the costs related to flight expenses like fuel, parts, and maintenance,” explains Jamie Unrau, Administrator for the group.

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The idea of the car show fundraiser, which has a goal to raise $15,000, came from one of HERO’s medevac captains, Roger Jamieson, who owns Car show Pro an online platform for car show management.

“Roger has been with HERO since the very beginning and actually flew the dedicated Medevac helicopter from Pitt Meadows to Fort McMurray for delivery. This car show is a great way to jump-start fundraising events again after years of restrictions and increase awareness plus the need of our charitable program in our community,” adds Unrau, who has been with HERO since 2015.

“HERO has answered approximately 2000 calls for assistance since its inception. With 700 patients being flown to the higher level of health care they require. One or two times per year the crew is directed to fly the patient to land at a hospital in Edmonton. In all these cases, no patient has ever been charged for our services.”

She says, everyone should attend for the “beautiful cars, good food and great company.”

“It’s fun for the whole family with no admission fee. We will have several raffles and a 50/50. Attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for the top three people’s choice. We will also have HERO merchandise to sell in support of the program; and will be cooking up hamburgers and hot dogs for purchase. We are looking forward to a successful show that we can build on for the coming years. We are very appreciative of all the support we have received from local businesses.”

The show, which will be held at 9317 Huggard Street is limited to the first 50 registrations due to space constraints. Be sure to register early to save your spot. People’s Choice voting starts at 10 a.m. Further details, and registration information can be found here.

Photos courtesy YMM HERO Foundation