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These luxury cars rally for a good cause

Fifth Okanagan Dream Rally met with massive attendance

Engines roared to life at Prospera Place on Saturday as drivers took their places behind the wheel.

But instead of another adult accompanying them as co-pilot, their passengers were underprivileged or sick kids. It’s all part of the Okanagan Dream Rally, which roared back after a three-year COVID-19 pitstop.

“We’ve supported ten plus charities over the past five years doing this,” organizer Matt August told Kelowna10.

One of those charities is the August Family Foundation, co-founded by Matt after losing his uncle to a battle with brain cancer.

“We had such an awesome experience with the hospice house and COHA (Central Okanagan Hospice Association) in Kelowna, that it started what we look at here today,” he explained.

The event has raised over $1.7 million since it started five years ago. The money helps children through the KGH Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House.

“Today, my goal is to raise over a million and bring our total to just shy of three million.”

August was among the more than 200 people driving exotic vehicles and super cars in the event, and commented on his own excitement on the day.

“I think the drivers get as much out of today as the co-pilots,” he explained. “They’re in a vehicle that they drive every day, and they’re with someone who is so excited to just ride with them that it just gives you goosebumps.”

Another excited driver was Jason Boyer, a returning participant and avid supporter of the event.

“It’s the third time I’ve done this, and it’s just a great event,” he said. “The kids love it, we love it, the public loves it, and I’m really excited to be a part of it again.”

As the start time drew ever closer, drivers met up with their young co-pilots and led them to their vehicles.

And with emergency services leading the way, the drivers took off to begin the day.

The luxury cars rolled down Water Street, across the bridge, and headed towards Penticton.

Published 2022-07-30 by Robin Liva

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