INNISFAIL – Fourlane Ford Sales Ltd. is celebrating a milestone this year.
The local dealership recently celebrated its 25th anniversary by sharing Five Days of Random Acts of Fordness and giving back to the community from May 28 to June 1.
Fourlane Ford employees spent the week volunteering with a number of Innisfail and area organizations including the Innisfail and District Food Bank, the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre, Sunset Manor, Medicine River Wildlife Centre and Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer.
In addition, they provided financial donations to each organization.
“Instead of spending a bunch of money and throwing a big party, we wanted to give back to the community that has supported us for 25 years,” said Jaime Wilson, business manager. “That’s the reason we’re here.”
They kicked off the random acts of Fordness by paying for new brakes on Bob and Rachel Welwood’s vehicle on May 28.
“We both were really surprised. It was like winning the lottery,” said Rachel Welwood of the kind deed. “We did not expect that. We expected to pay the full price.
The couple have been long-time customers of Fourlane Ford, she noted.
That was followed by a visit to the food bank, crafts and story time with kids at the Innisfail Public Library and later in the week, visits with seniors in Innisfail, the Medicine River Wildlife Centre and Ronald McDonald House.
“We went to the food bank, built and helped hand out hampers there and donated $2,500 to them,” said Wilson. “On May 31 we went to Sunset Manor and helped with planter boxes and (planted flowers) as well, we went to Medicine River Wildlife Centre in the afternoon and presented them with a cheque for $800.
“On Friday, we went into Red Deer, took $1,000 and went shopping with a wish list from Ronald McDonald House. We delivered everything to Ronald McDonald House on Friday afternoon,” she added.
“It was a lot of fun for us and it was our way of thanking our community for supporting us,” said Wilson, noting recipients' deep appreciation for their random acts of Fordness.
“They were super appreciative. Sunset Manor asked if we could come back again and do it next year,” explained Wilson, noting they plan to continue the community involvement.
“It’s a big part of our culture here.
“We’re now trying to focus on volunteering and getting out in the community more,” said Wilson.
“We hope that it may encourage other people to do more, although we do have a great community. There’s a lot of businesses that really go above and beyond to support the community they work and live in,” Wilson concluded.
