TISDALE— Doghide River Rods and Relics will be putting on a Tisdale cruise, where they will be collecting non-perishable food items for the local Salvation Army food bank.
The cruise will take place on May 7 at 7 p.m.
“We started this little car club about a year or so ago, in May,” said Darrell Davis, a founding member. “It was I who instigated it because I know there are a lot of old cars in this town nobody sees a whole bunch.”
Originally the club met once a week, but Davis said with the pandemic this wasn’t an option— and everyone was still “itching” to get their cars out.
“I’ve seen quite a few posts on Facebook where other car clubs have done the same thing as a salute to essential workers or healthcare workers, or something like that. Somebody else in the club suggested maybe we could do a food drive at the same time.”
Anyone who wishes to drive in the cruise is instructed to meet on Boundary Road at 6:30 p.m. All drivers are instructed to stay in their car and avoid in-person socialization.
The route will start from there, and travel past the hospital. Next the cars will turn down Main Street, and drive past MacKay Tower. The parade will turn right at Red Apple, and drive past Cedar Villa, before returning to Main Street.
The cruise will then travel on 99th Avenue, by the Subway, RECplex and school area— before ending with a pass through the Buy-Low Foods and Beeland Co-op parking lots.
The club has been in communication with both grocery stores to collect non-perishable food items. Items purchased at the stores can be dropped in a collection bin located inside. On May 8, the club will be collecting all donations and dropping them off at the foodbank.
“Our goal was really just to raise awareness that those bins are there and it’s a time of need.”
Due to social distancing, Davis said that at this time, the club cannot accept any donations brought in from outside the stores.
“Nothing comes from outside the stores at this time, obviously because of the virus. We want to keep everybody safe.”
Davis said the pass through the grocery store parking lots are to give a symbolic salute to essential workers.
“The message I would like to get out there is how much we… appreciate every essential worker in the community that’s stood proud and strong through this whole thing,” Davis said. “Obviously it’s been tough on a lot of people— if we can raise some awareness of the food bank at the same time, that was kind of our goal for this.”
Davis, is himself, an essential worker, as the produce manager at Beeland Co-op.
“It’s presented its own challenges, obviously— and because it’s an essential service we have to make sure everybody’s needs are met, and make sure they’re following the safety precautions and protocols. The challenges are no different for grocery then it would be for anywhere else.”
All spectators of the parade on May 7 are encouraged to follow proper social distance protocols.
“I don’t see a problem with that. If you want to watch and you’re on Main Street, just watch from your window. Obviously we’re going to be following social distancing, so hopefully everyone else does as well.”
