Driving Change with the United Way

“Back to school” brings about an abundance of emotions. On the one hand, there’s the excitement and promise of new beginnings. On the other hand, there’s the end of warm weather and the transition back to structured schedules. The Wheaton Automotive Group decided they would make the first week back just a little bit easier for all of us, and that a great party was the way to do it.

The Event on Whyte Ave

On September 6th, I ventured out to the Southpark lot on Whyte Avenue, and beneath the iconic neon sign had a great evening of local food, local music and charitable giving. Driving Change was a fundraising event put on by Drive Wheaton in support of the United Way. The three dealerships that comprise Drive Wheaton (Sun Toyota, Wheaton Honda and Don Wheaton) have always been champions of the United Way and wanted a fun way to involve their local community in a cause that has been very close to their hearts.

Who Is the Wheaton Group?

The Wheaton Group’s founder, the late Donald Wheaton, firmly believed in giving back to those in need.

“My father always said that out of every eight-hour work day, one hour was always to be spent giving back to the community,” says Don A. Wheaton Jr. “He passed on to our generation to carry on that support and we are passing that on to the next generation.”  

Music, Food & The United Way

Local band Maple Tea (featuring Strathcom’s very own Director of Training Stuart Bendall) performed on a flatbed truck (reminiscent of the Stones rolling down 5th Avenue) and treated the audience to a wealth of cover-tune favourites including Coldplay, U2 and Guns N’ Roses. A further delight for the senses was the food. Oh, the glorious food. Drive Wheaton amassed a staggering 11 food trucks, bringing together the biggest, baddest collection of local cuisine Edmonton has to offer. I reveled in homemade ice cream sandwiches, creamy mac n’ cheese and more gooey fried goodness than I care to admit.   The United Way was there to share the difference they make locally: to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community. Strathcom Media was proud to be one of the sponsors of this fantastic night of giving and we look forward to the next Drive Wheaton event.