Portage Vintage Cruisers President Brad Sanderson pulled up his fiery red and flame-painted 31 Model A Ford up to the curb in front of the Portage District General Hospital this past Thursday. He stepped out with some money, and along with two other members of the group, he gave $1,000 to the hospital. Executive director Tara Pettinger received the donation that came from the cruisers' recent fundraiser.

Pettinger says the gift is amazing.

"I think that everyone in the community and beyond sort of respects what the Foundation is able to do within the health care facilities that we fund, and it's just something that impacts the whole community," says Pettinger. "So, we're always extremely grateful when these community groups go above and beyond and think of us to make the donation, too." 

Presenting the cheque

Sanderson adds it feels good to be able to help out the hospital.

"We do this every year for different charities from our silent auction and from our rod run," explains Sanderson.

He says they've been raising money like this for about 50 years.

"The club's been around for a long time," continues Sanderson. "I've been part of the club for around 25 years, been president for last couple, and probably president for a couple more. The ladies raised $1,000 from our rainbow auction at our half-rained-out car show we had in June, on the weekend before Father's Day."

Sanderson adds it's great to be able to provide extra funds for charities like the Hospital Foundation.

Vintage Cruisers member Debbie Henry says they're very appreciative of donors who provided items for the silent auction