Saskatchewan car contest fuels $510,560 donation to cancer foundation

A classic car contest has raised more than half a million dollars for cancer support in Saskatchewan.

A bright orange 1970 Dodge Charger RT with a 6.4 litre, 500-horsepower crate Hemi engine was displayed at car shows across Saskatchewan throughout the summer. This resto-mod, which combines a classic car style with modern technology, is valued at $185,000.

People could buy tickets, either for a chance to win the car or for a 50/50 draw. In all, $510,560 went to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, the fundraising partner of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

“Not only did this car raffle raise funds for cancer care in Saskatchewan, but the tour also allowed us to raise awareness about the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan,” explains Nora Yeates, CEO of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

This 1970 Dodge Charger RT resto-mod is valued at $185,000. (Photo courtesy Saskatchewan Cancer Agency)

Charger resto-mod was on display at several cars shows over the summer. (Photo by Dale Edward Johnson)

Power comes from a new 6.4 litre, 500-horsepower crate Hemi engine. (Photo courtesy Saskatchewan Cancer Agency)

The Foundation helps facilitate the best possible outcomes for Saskatchewan cancer patients and their families by supporting innovative treatments, funding the latest technologies, and funding outstanding cancer care for Saskatchewan cancer patients and their families.

The Charger was donated by a group of private donors. One of the people behind this fundraiser is former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall – who happens to be a car buff. Wall, who has owned several classic cars, is a dedicated Dodge devotee. His first car was a 1966 Charger that he bought while he was in high school.

I once asked him, “What was the best vehicle you ever owned?” He responded: “A 1966 Dodge Charger, a 1973 Dodge Challenger 340, and my 1967 Dodge Coronet 500 are all tied for first.” So it’s really no surprise that Wall would be behind this project. The Charger was built by the Knight Automotive Group.

The winner of this car is Joe Holtorf of Neuanlage, a hamlet about 40 km northeast of Saskatoon.

Holtorf loves cars and motorcycles – everything from 1968 to the mid-’70s. He has fond memories of a 1975 Dodge Dart he owned many years ago. His father died of cancer, and he thinks the Cancer Foundation is a good cause because it helps people. And now he’s the winner of this 1970 Dodge Charger GT.

“I’m just super stoked,” he says.

Also, in the 50/50 draw, Brian Trebish of Yorkton, SK., won $56,160.

Although Holtorf is considered the major winner, there are lots of other people benefiting – because of the $510,560 this car raised for the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. 

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