Central Alberta schools are driving away with cash from a unique test-drive program offered by car dealerships to community residents.
Olds High School could raise as much as $6,000 from participating in the Ford of Canada’s Drive One 4 UR School program on Thursday.
Ford of Canada and Cam Clark Ford Olds will donate $20 to the school on behalf of each participant who test drives a Ford or Lincoln vehicle at the school.
The one-day blitz will run 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will include the 2010 Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Edge, Escape, Ranger, F150, Super Duty, Explorer, Flex or Taurus.
School principal Tom Christensen said one of the student’s parents, a manager at the local dealership, approached the school with the idea.
The money raised will support vital sports and school programs.
Christensen said the school has 36 different groups, each requiring finances.
“The needs of schools are endless, above and beyond what is funded by the government,” Christensen said. “It’s just a real issue to put the funds together so those activities are affordable to students.”
In order to raise $6,000, a total of 300 test drives will need to be done, so Christensen is hoping for solid community support.
The event will also include a barbecue. Christensen expects students will eat at noon, followed by a public barbecue around 4 to 6 p.m. Students will be encouraged to bring their souped up and fancy cars to the event. The RCMP will bring their rollover truck as well.
“We are excited to help raise money for Olds High School and at the same time, showcase our innovative lineup,” said Rick Veno, general manager at Cam Clark Ford Olds.
Lacombe Composite High School held the Drive One 4 UR School program on May 15. Lacombe completed 174 test drives, which earned the high school $3,480 for its alumni scholarship fund.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com