Drive to Thrive event 2022 (Donovan Wagner Photography)

By Alessia Proietti

Fundraiser this Sunday

Drive to Thrive event for kids with cancer returns for second lap in Red Deer

Aug 8, 2023 | 9:00 AM

Back for their second lap in Red Deer, the annual Drive to Thrive event for kids with cancer is returning this Sunday.

On August 13 at 1:30 p.m., the local Go Live Foundation, a non-profit supporting cancer-focused organizations, will be hosting the event at Das Auto Imports Experts (4630 61 St #3) in partnership with Red Deer Toyota.

Kids who have battled or are currently battling cancer, as well as some of their siblings, will be given rides in luxury exotic sports cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens and classic Cudas, all while raising funds for the Kids Cancer Centre in Calgary.

“We are having an event where we just make them feel like the absolute heroes that they are and make sure they see how much love and support they have from not only their family and friends but strangers as well,” said Rachelle Dandurand, co-founder of the foundation. The event and foundation are run alongside her brother Ryan.

The Foundation was established in 2019 in honor of their parents, Mike and Heidi, who both passed away to cancer.

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After their ride along city and county streets, the kids will return to a crowd cheering them on. Participating families will have their own pit pass area, hosted by Bo’s Bar & Stage, while a barbeque by Nossack meats will be available for all in attendance.

Crowd cheering children entering cars at Drive to Thrive 2022 (Donovan Wagner Photography)

A Show and Shine will also be open to the public for cars and motorcycles, with interested participants encouraged to arrive around noon due to limited spacing.

Rachelle said she was nervous before the event’s inauguration in 2022; however, was pleasantly surprised at the turnout and overwhelming amount of support. As a result of numerous sponsors, she says overhead costs remained low, allowing them to donate over $5,800 to the Kids Cancer Centre. The funds went mainly towards their summer camp program for affected children and their siblings so they can enjoy their youth during a challenging time.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get married and I felt like this is a day that I can imagine a wedding would feel like. It was a day that was so special and I could never ever forget,” she said, describing it as heartwarming.

“I remember going into that day with so much stress about this event and as soon as I saw the kids, I instantly just melted and my stress went away because I realized that they are fighting such a big fight that we know nothing about. They have the biggest smiles on their face; you can tell their hearts are so genuine and so warm.”

“There wasn’t a dry eye when we were putting all the kids in the cars and hooting and hollering because everybody was just so moved by the fact that these kids are just who they are.”

READ: Red Deer hosts first Drive to Thrive event for kids with cancer this Sunday

Drive to Thrive 2022 (Donovan Wagner Photography)

She says the families involved have become friends, sending Christmas cards and emails of gratitude to her and the drivers. One child, Colton, who participated in the event last year also has his own charity named Colton & Co. raising funds for others organizations. While he may not be able to attend this year, Rachelle says his products will be added to the Swag Bags given to each participating child.

Nine children battling cancer have registered so far, alongside some of their siblings, coming from Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Sylvan Lake, Delburne, Calgary and Edmonton. Rachelle says she anticipates some last minute additions like last year as they hope to reach their cap of 15 children.

New to this year’s event will be a live performance by Red Deer’s Michelle Colby as well as a section for puppy adoption from the Fostering Hope Animal Rescue Foundation, alongside Bone & Biscuit pet store.

“I think that the community needs an event like this because it really brings you back on your feet; it brings you back to reality,” she said. “If you experience this event once, you’re going to crave it; you’re going to want to go every single year.”

Rachelle also wanted to express her gratitude for the other sponsors including the Donald family, Fluidics, Bjornson Insurance Group, Schnell Hardy Jones LLP, and Westerner Park.

(Supplied)