Skaha Ford is bringing Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited’s Drive One 4 UR School program to the Summerland community in an effort to raise up to $6,000 for Summerland Secondary School’s theatre program.
For every person who test drives a Ford vehicle in the school’s parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 15, Skaha Ford and Ford of Canada will donate $20 to the school theatre program’s production of The Phantom of the Opera.
All funds raised will be put towards the creation and purchase of costumes, props and sets for the spectacle.
“We understand how exciting and important this type of theatre production is to developing the confidence and skills of our community’s youth, and as part of this community, we want to help,” said Bruce Statham, sales manager at Skaha Ford. “We’re excited to support Summerland Secondary’s students as they work to put on the biggest and most challenging play ever produced by their theatre program. At the same time, we look forward to introducing parents and other drivers to our high-quality line-up and innovative safety technologies.”
The event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature a selection of available Ford models, including the 2011 Ford Explorer.
Since the start of Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School and Community programs in 2010, more than 25,000 test-drives at more than 160 events have generated over $460,000 in donations for high schools and organizations in Canada.
This is the second Drive One 4 UR Community event held by Skaha Ford.
“Partnering with Skaha Ford for this fundraising event is a huge support to our students as they learn the nuances of this complex musical theatre production,” said Heather Ayris, Summerland Secondary School’s drama teacher and theatre director. “We are lucky to have access to a 296-seat theatre and all the incredible technical resources this provides. All the students are working really hard and deserve the spectacle that the show entails when they perform it from February 15 to 25.”
In addition to raising money to support the 105 students acting in the production, the program gives participants the chance to experience Ford’s new vehicles and safety technologies.
To participate, visit the Summerland Secondary School parking lot at 9518 Main St. in Summerland between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.
Participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. There is a limit of one test drive per household.