By Sue Tiffin

Published Sept. 14 2017

Personalized licence plates on the cars gathered in the parking lot of Gordon A. Monk funeral home on Sept. 9 brought memories of the old Canadian game show Bumper Stumpers to mind but passersby weren’t scratching their heads over deciphering whimsical codes about speed. Instead they were taking selfies with the cars and wondering how and why about 30 new and historic very shiny Corvettes ended up on Bobcaygeon Road that afternoon.

The parking lot stop was just a short one for almost 50 Corvette enthusiasts a break in the five-hour or so trip that started at the Woodbine Park and Ride visited Rhubarb restaurant in Carnarvon for lunch and continued east then south to Buttertarts ’N More in Little Britain. Most of the drivers were from the Greater Toronto Area but one came from Niagara Falls and another was a local Algonquin Highlands resident.

This is the second year Faraz Chaudhery organized the event which he has dubbed the second Cruise for SickKids in support of the SickKids Foundation. Chaudhery’s daughter Aleena has scoliosis and has been a patient at the Toronto hospital in the past. When he posted the idea of a cruise on an online Corvette driver forum the response was quick with other drivers looking for camaraderie and the chance to help.

“We hope we did not cause a ruckus in your community as we know it is good fortune to have you allow us through your area” said Chaudhery.
This year the total donations raised through an online fundraiser and raffle prizes given away during the cruise was $1565. Chaudhery and his family will also take part in the Great Camp Adventure Walk for SickKids on Sept. 23.

“Talking to attendees throughout the day I think that everyone in attendance is touched by the work done by SickKids and that I am sure contributed to the strong support and great day we all had” he said.

Chaudhery also praised Rhubarb for being able to take a large group in for lunch.