There is nothing quite like the hot sun glinting off the perfect paint and polished chrome of a classic car. That’s exactly what you’re going to get tomorrow during the 26th annual Autorama, an annual event that sees throngs of people check out dozens of these golden rollers that have just come out of their winter hibernation for the start of summer.
Put on by the St. Albert Cruisers classic car club, the event also serves to support Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF), the local organization that offers free family violence and domestic abuse counselling. Last year, the Cruisers committed Autorama as a fundraiser for SAIF’s Elder Abuse Response programs for five straight years.
Caroline Smigielski, SAIF’s executive director, says that the elder abuse response program continues to be busy. There were 138 cases of elder abuse reported in 2017 alone, up from 76 cases the year prior.
That’s why the organization continues to offer training sessions through its It’s Not Right program. It trains neighbours, friends and family the skills to identify and respond to elder abuse.
“It’s bystander training, one that we deliver pretty regularly in the community,” she said.
The next elder abuse awareness and response training session that people can sign up for will run on Thursday, June 28. People can sign up by calling the organization at 780-460-2195 or by sending an email to [email protected].
Smigielski said that she is truly grateful for the Cruisers’ support, noting that Autorama typically brings in a $5,000 boost to SAIF. That has a big impact on SAIF’s work to improve people’s lives in the community, she said. In turn, she thrills at the chance to come back out for a sunny Sunday to see the classic cars, trucks and motorcycles and step back down memory lane.
“I enjoy seeing the cars very much. I’m surprised at the range of vehicles that are there. There are cars from the 1920s all the way to now. It’s quite a good showing of classic cars.”
The 26th annual St. Albert Cruisers Autorama Show and Shine runs Sunday May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its location will be at Fountain Tire at 234 St. Albert Trail and at Drayden Insurance at 60 Green Grove Dr.
Apart from the classic vehicles, people can enjoy such family activities as the hula hoop fun contest, the McBain's Photo contest, memorabilia vendors, classic music, food trucks and the 50/50 draw. Admission is free.
