Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Press
It was a come and go event as the fraternity of classic car, motorcycle and truck enthusiasts came out to the North of the Checkerboard Classics “Fuel Our Youth” fundraiser on May 17 at Hungry Hiker Ferndale.
Organizer Connor Rouse described the event as “awesome” and was surprised by the turnout of the local families. There was also positive feedback from the vehicle owners, some promising to bring along a buddy or two next time. Connor hopes to create a fun space where young families and the wider community can come together and spend time hanging out and seeing cool cars, trucks and bikes. He aims to draw kids away from their electronic devices, get them outside, enjoy some old-fashioned fun activities and engage with the local community.
Along with getting to sit in the cars, trucks and on bikes, the kids enjoyed playing cornhole and with each other.
The “Fuel our Youth” nights will take place every Sunday from 6 – 8 p.m (weather permitting) in the front parking lot of the Hungry Hiker in Ferndale. Organized as a fundraiser for the Bruce Peninsula District School (BPDS) breakfast program (hence the slogan “Fuel Our Youth”), $5 from every dinner special sold at the Hungry Hiker Ferndale restaurant between 6 to 8 p.m. (during the event) will be donated to the BPDS Breakfast Program; children under 12 can get a free meal. The free meals, along with $5 for each dinner special sold, are generously donated by the restaurant owners Linda and Neil Bain. Cash donations will also be accepted for the breakfast program.
Connor hopes with the free meals offered to kids, the event can be an affordable option for young families to enjoy an evening out together, and at the same time support the school breakfast program.
