The United Way is holding not one but two community wide fundraisers this weekend as its fall campaign gears up.
First, Friday is the annual Park On Us campaign, the biggest fundraiser for the United Way of Cranbrook and Kimberley which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
On Friday, parking in downtown Cranbrook will be free, thanks to the United Way and 252 businesses who have each sponsored a parking meter with a $25 donation for the day.
“We want to thank all the businesses who support our campaign,” said executive director Donna Brady Fields. “We have great support, but we are missing some of the businesses who supported us in previous years.”
It’s not too late to participate in Park On Us: businesses who have previously participated can contact the United Way at 250-426-8833.
Throughout the day on Friday, coffee and cookies will be available outside the United Way office on Baker Street.
From 11 a.m., M&M Meats will host a barbecue at Clocktower Square to welcome the public who have benefited from free parking.
Then on Saturday, September 15, United Way is asking Cranbrook and Kimberley residents to test drive a Ford to help their community.
Denham Ford will donated $20 to the United Way for every vehicle that is test driven on Saturday at an event at the Tamarack Centre, up to $6,000.
“Our goal is 300 test drives,” said Brady Fields. “We want the community to come out and support us.”
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a barbecue starting at 11 a.m.
The United Way of Cranbrook and Kimberley raises money in the community and passes it on to local agencies, including Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club, Cranbrook and District Hospice Society, and Success By Six.