What started as a small fundraiser has now turned into a community staple.
The 4th annual Okanagan Dream Rally kicks off Sunday morning on Bernard Ave., with over 200 luxury, exotic and sport cars parading from Kelowna to Penticton.
The day pairs special children, handpicked by local non-profit organizations, with dream cars coming to the Okanagan from California, Washington, Alberta and other parts of B.C.
Event Co-founder Matt August detailed that along the route, there are specific viewing areas where people can watch the rally go by.
“My favorite one is at the bottom of the hill coming into Peachland. There’s the gas station and the A&W there and we put that as one of the areas. When you come around that corner and there are a hundred people on the side of the road waving at all the kids, it makes them feel really special,” said August.
The goal of the rally is to touch lives and hearts by giving special attention and care to families in need.
“It’s also very special to the driver who is donating their time to take the child on a drive. For the drivers who have never done it before, it’s quite emotional for them because they aren't expecting what's going to happen an how excited something they drive every day, or look at every day, can give so much joy to someone else.”
The Dream Rally has collectively raised over $1.2 million for local charities since it began in 2015.
This year, proceeds will benefit the Ronald MacDonald Association and KGH Foundation.