Despite strong gusts of wind and various events happening in town, community members from Stettler and area made the time to test drive some of the Ford vehicles at the Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 24, raising money for the basketball girls’ team, which is headed to Cuba in early 2017.
“We tried to bring close to a full lineup,” said Nancy Georget, digital marketing manager at Aspen Ford, who was hosting the event as part of their “Drive4UR School” program. “We had the newly updated 2017 Superduty, Fusion and Escape, 2016 Explorer, Edge, Focus and F150 as well as the most popular 2015 Mustang.”
According to Georget, the the girls and parents were shooting for 300 test drives, which would have been the maximum amount that Ford would raise as part of this program.
“We aren’t sure about the final number, but we’re hoping to get 200, which would yield $4,000 for the girls,” Georget added. “This money will come right from Ford of Canada headquarters, although it is the local Ford dealer, such as Aspen Ford that has to partner and organize the event along with the local organization.”
Georget said that the last time when Ford had hosted this program in the community, they had partnered with the Stettler Swim Club, which was about a year-and-a-half ago. In the past they have been organized for the Rotary Club, and Christ King School as well.
“I believe this fundraiser is a wonderful collaboration with the small town dealerships and a local charity to work together and maybe not having to tap into local businesses as much, who already contribute willingly to keep programs alive in the community during this economic downturn,” Georget explained. “It’s nice to see corporations helping small rural towns out like Stettler and giving back.”
Georget said that the staff at Aspen Ford would like to thank the Stettler and area residents who came out to help.
“I would also like to thank the parents of the girls’ basketball team and all those who came out to help,” said Georget. “They provided co-piloting of the vehicles and coffee and cookies to keep us warm on a chilly morning and the task of assisting in filling out the forms. It was a great day and a lot of fun.”