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get your car in the rally now!

Westerner Rally for Cars & Kids goes Sept. 13

Aug 6, 2025 | 2:10 PM

The inaugural Westerner Rally for Cars & Kids is quickly approaching, and central Albertans have multiple ways they can get involved.

The fundraiser is a two-part event on Sept. 13, first with a free to the public show and shine at 10 a.m. at Westerner Park, and car rally around Red Deer starting at 1 p.m. That same evening, a gala will be held at the Scottsville Hangar, near Red Deer Regional Airport.

But the coolest part about it is that a whole bunch of very deserving kids will get to take a ride in various types of classic, vintage and exotic cars.

The morning event is also a fundraiser for Aspire Child Development Centre, the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, and Hope Mission; while the gala will support the Westerner Foundation.

“There will be kids taking part who have diverse needs, and then the amount the grants will be to each organization depends on how many vehicles we get registered into the rally,” says Lynn Van Laar, event organizer, and co-chair of the foundation’s fundraising subcommittee.

You can learn how to sponsor a child, enter a car, or nominate a deserving child co-pilot here, email lynn_vanlaar@yahoo.com, or call 403-872-1405. The intent to sponsor is needed by Aug. 15.

Van Laar notes the show and shine is free for the public to attend; there will be ice cream and mini donuts for purchase, plus face painting and more, as well as some special guests and live entertainment.

“Kids are always important, and it’s the same reason I organize the Christmas Wish Breakfast — if we can make a difference in even one child’s life for even a very short period of time, it’s worth it,” adds Van Laar.

The evening fundraiser for the foundation will support the longevity and the sustainability of Westerner Park.

According to the foundation’s website, which you can look at here, the foundation was established in 2021 with the objective of promoting, fundraising and investing in initiatives to support the park’s long-term sustainability.

Its key pillars are capital programs, innovation and events, education and community engagement, and exceptional guest experiences.

Tickets for the gala are available here.

This event is proudly sponsored by rdnewsNOW.

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