The first annual ‘Show Your Ride For Brandon’ show and shine event is set to take place Aug. 24 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 2222 18th Ave N.E., Calgary (the Crossroads Furniture Market parking lot).
Event organizer, Cochranite Kim Thomas, lost her 17-year-old son Brandon Thomas to the actions of a drunk driver on Dec. 6, 2012; she has been an advocate for stiffer penalties for those who cause harm to others from drunk driving.
Since Brandon was a passionate, budding mechanic, Kim has been working with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to create a scholarship in Brandon’s name for the school’s mechanical program.
“Any proceeds will go into the Brandon Thomas Trust Fund and we will set things up for the scholarship as we get closer to January,” explained Kim, adding that Brandon’s friends have been putting the final touches on her late son’s prized 1986 Toyota 4-Runner, which will be entered in the event that weekend.
“It looks just stunning…amazing…these kids have done such a great job.”
“So far we have 113 cars pre-registered for the event,” said Kim, adding that pre-registration is almost full, as she would like to leave space for the ‘first come, first serve’ car owners.
Pre-registration can be made through the event’s Facebook site, ‘Show Your Ride For Brandon’ and the cost is $10.
Cochrane Awards and Promotions donated trophies for first, second and third place. ‘We have small gift packages for everyone who has entered the event and we have a lot of great raffle prizes and a barbecue,” said Kim, adding that Cochrane businesses have been generous with their donations for the event.
