Elks help get rid of clunkers

Times Reporter

 

Do you have a scrap car sitting in your driveway that you want to get rid of? The Strathmore Elks Lodge may be able to help you. The Elks are collecting scrap cars as a way to raise money to give back to the community. For every car collected there will be a general receipt issued from the Lodge on the blue book value, up to $1,000. 

“Businesses can usually use this as a promotional expense,” said Don Perepelkin, secretary for the Strathmore Elks. 

“It’s very similar to what the Kidney Foundation does where you have an old vehicle you want to get rid of. Basically give us a call, and we’ll come pick it up. People will fill out a form saying that they give us their car and are basically donating it to the club and the proceeds from it will go back into the club.”

Perepelkin said the Crossfield Elks have an annual demolition derby and took a car, built it up and raffled it off on CJay92. He said if the cars are decent enough maybe the Strathmore Elks can sell them off. 

Perepelkin said it could be a lot of work, and feels most of the vehicles will have to go to the wreckers, but for any that don’t, fixing them up and selling them could be an option. 

Perepelkin first got the idea after seeing that an Elks Lodge in Ontario had collected scrap cars and were fairly successful.  

“I thought well why not do it here and help take some old cars off the road, and help the club out as well as distribute it to the community,” said Perepelkin.

“We’re looking for any vehicle that we can use the proceeds towards the club.”

The Elks raise funds through catering, bartending and other activities. The money they raise is then distributed to organizations, and clubs, within the community. The vehicles don’t have to be mobile, but do have to be easy to get to. They also must have wheels, rims, so that they are able to roll. Anyone wishing to donate their vehicle must own it and be able to legally donate it. For more information call 403-901-4072 or 403-901-1019.