If Mother Nature cooperates, there are only some 12 Thursdays (June through August) that see Cruisers Nite fundraiser held in Southampton, but that short window has meant a major boon for local health care.
For more than 30 years, Thursday evenings have become a staple when it comes to fundraising for Saugeen Shores’ local hospital thanks to Cruisers Nite.
Classic car enthusiasts come from throughout the region and beyond to show off their classic vehicles and answer questions from visitors who stroll the car show.
Organizer, Gary Brown, a.k.a. ‘Downtown Gary Brown and Mr. Cruiser’, says that he has reasons to continue to step up and organize the event each summer. “At some point, everyone may need local care at our hospital. Whether you are a resident or visitor, if you or a loved one needs emergency care, our local Saugeen Memorial Hospital is there. Also, I had a heart attack and, if it weren’t for our local hospital, I probably would not be here today. So, do I think this fundraiser is important? You bet I do.”
Cruisers Nite is held in Southampton on High Street and, given this summer’s road construction, the car show was moved a block to accommodate the fundraiser and is held between Grosvenor Street and Huron Street in front of the historic Walker House.
To date, the car show vehicle entry fee and 50/50 raffle have raised more than $320,000 for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.
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The province does not provide funds for hospital equipment needs, therefore, Cruisers’ funds raised go toward ensuring that quality care is ensured by helping to provide the most up-to-date equipment. This summer’s funds will go toward a tracheal intubation scope (often called a flexible intubation scope, fiberscope, or video bronchoscope) crucial for safe airway management in an emergency situation.
“We understand that not everyone is a classic car fan,” says Brown, “but everyone is a fan of health care when they need it and, eventually, everyone does.”
