One of Okotoks' flashiest fundraisers continues to make a big impact in the community.
The annual Okotoks Show & Shine, bringing cars together for a good cause, raised over $30,000 this year, says the Kin Club of Okotoks.
Five-hundred twenty cars — roughly 100 of which belong to owners from Okotoks — were at this year's event, which flooded Olde Towne Okotoks with unique vehicles from across Canada on Aug. 18.
"We actually ran out of space downtown," said event planner Kyle Davies, who helped organize the Show & Shine alongside car enthusiast Gord Pederson and other dedicated volunteers. "The Town estimates there were between 10,000 and 12,000 people."
Proceeds from the event — which came from sponsorships, vehicle registration fees and merchandise sales — will go towards local non-profits and charities including the Okotoks Food Bank, Rowan House, and KidSport Okotoks.
"Without having the support of sponsors... and then if we didn't have the numbers that we had for volunteers this event wouldn't have been possible," said Davies.
"I'm just glad there's a lot of people in this community, who are like me and want to see a sense of community in Okotoks."
After the event was relocated to the area around Seaman Stadium in 2023, the annual car show returned to its usual location in Olde Towne this year, where it has been held since 2009.
Last year's relocation was due to a volunteer shortage, which was not an issue this year as about 120 volunteers helped out at this year's event, said volunteer coordinator Tannis Patnoe.
"They went above and beyond what was asked of them," she said.
The Kin Club is already gearing up for next year's car show, and preparations are underway to continue the event's work bringing together the community while giving local charities a boost.
"We're always looking for new members," added Davies, a Kinsman since 2021.
Learn more about the Kin Club of Okotoks, including the organization's work and information on how to join, on its Facebook page.
