From hot rods to pick-up trucks, the All American Day is coming together to support Cardiac Kids Club Mid and South Canterbury. The event is organised by South Canterbury Vintage Car Club with members of the Cardiac Kids Club Mid and South Canterbury helping out on the day.
The event was being held on only one day this year instead of the usual two and included a display of the American vehicles as well as a driving cruise to a mystery destination after lunch.
The event has been held almost every year for the past 25 to 30 years with just under 200 vehicles taking part, with some coming from Christchurch and Oamaru.
South Canterbury Vintage Car Club event co-organiser Grant Stewart said the event was open to anyone with an American vehicle, such as hot rods, pick-up trucks and motorbikes.
‘‘There are some impressive vehicles tucked away in people’s garages,’’ he said.
Mr Stewart said vehicle owners got to relive their youth as they now owned what they associated with or wanted when they were young.
‘‘The cruise will be good, all the roads are tarsealed and hopefully we can avoid the orange cone brigade.’’
He said they usually supported something local each time they held the event.
‘‘It is good to be supporting the Cardiac Kids Club. It is because of them that people now have a future ahead of them.’’
Cardiac Kids Club Mid and South Canterbury chairwoman Rebecca Honeybone said the South Canterbury Vintage Car Club had been really supportive and they were really thankful.
‘‘It means a lot. All of the fantastic fundraising means we can support cardiac families, which includes kids, teens and adults.’’
The Cardiac Kids Club is a local not-for-profit support group helping and providing support to those who live with cardiac conditions, as well as the parents, grandparents, caregivers of a spouse or child who have cardiac conditions.
‘‘Our mission is to support and enhance the wellbeing of those who are affected and the support we have had has been incredible.’’
Cardiac Kids Club Mid and South Canterbury committee member Kirsty Wooffindin said it meant a lot, as the proceeds helped children such as Emily Cahill, who had had her fourth open heart surgery this year.
‘‘We are thankful for the connections we have built and for the support we have had. The community has been super supportive and generous and all of the proceeds from this event will help so many groups of people and families.’’
The All American Day is being held at Caroline Bay North from 11am on November 13. Entry to the event is $10 a person and to come along to the mystery destination is $5 a person. Eftpos is available.
