Rally in the Valley raised between $8,000 and $10,000 to help fight childhood cancers, according to a preliminary estimate of the total contributions at the all-day Langley car event, held Sunday, Aug. 27.
It took place in space donated by B. Anderlini Excavating, which is based in the 4200-block of 240th Street in Otter, which has a huge backyard.
It was enough room to accommodate the 45 cars that took part in the show, as well as the vehicles that brought families of children battling cancer to a play area at the site that included games, bouncy castles, and food.
One of the organizers, Greg Bourdon, explained how a group of friends – who were moved by a friend who lost their son – got together to hold their first-ever rally to raise money for the West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation – and give the kids a break.
“We had some of the families from the foundation come out today to enjoy a day out, rather than spending a day in the hospital,” Bourdon explained. “So they’re able to get out of the hospital, and bring the other siblings, enjoy the car show, [and play] some games.”
First-ever Rally in the Valley car show and poker run in Langley on Sunday raised an estimated 8-10K for the Westcoast Kids Cancer Foundation pic.twitter.com/2B7R9yinP8
— Langley Advance Times (@LangleyTimes) August 27, 2023
Foundation executive director Shannon Hartwig, who attended the rally, called it “amazing.”
“We had 11 or 12 of our own families, who have a child who is navigating childhood cancer, come. And we got to play,” Hartwig explained.
“And just give the families a day.”
The foundation website at wckfoundation.ca says it provides “food, connection, resources, and mental health support for families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders” and all programs are provided to families at no cost.
Rally in the Valley got underway with a morning poker run, where cars followed a route through Langley and Cloverdale and picked up playing cars at specific locations, before returning to the show site to see who had a winning hand.
“It was great,” said organizer Adam Whitworth.
“We stopped at a number of local businesses who wanted to support the rally, and it was great to get the cars out here.”
Organizer Ryan Steward expects there will be another Rally in the Valley next year.
“Absolutely,” Steward told the Langley Advance Times.
“It was a great time. Lots of fun.”