ѻýWe got picked! I wish you were here!ѻý
Silver Creekѻýs Nicole Newton was overwhelmed with tears of joy as she shared the news with husband Levi via cellphone that theyѻýd been selected for the 6th annual Shuswap Christmas Car Giveaway, held at the Salmon Arm Kal-Tire at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.
Nicole arrived at Kal-Tire accompanied by children Belle, Damon, Abbie and their youngest, Vinnie, along with their uncle Kyle Newton (Nicoleѻýs brother-in-law) and friend Sonya Budd, who nominated the Newton family for the giveaway. To keep it a secret, the plan was to bring the kids into Salmon Arm to see Santa, with Budd having to make a stop at Kal Tire.
ѻýIn my 74 years on this planet, Iѻýve never seen a such a deserving family,ѻý said Budd.
At Kal Tire, the Newtons (with Levi at home) were greeted by manager Chris Swinburn, who had the honour of sharing the good news.
ѻýWe went through, I think it was 96 nominations ѻý a record, the most so far ѻý and just, given their circumstances and how they contribute to the surrounding area and how they contribute to their own community, theyѻýre trying their hardest and I feel like this is going to be a good hand up to help them out,ѻý said Swinburn prior to the Newtons arrival.
The annual giveaway is the result of an partnership between Braby Motors Ltd., SASCU Financial Group, Kal Tire and Fix Auto Salmon Arm. This yearѻýs vehicle, a 2015 Chrysler Town and Country minivan, was in tip-top shape courtesy of the businesses, included $1,500 from SASCU for insurance, gift cards and other surprises.
ѻýWe also got a whole bunch of Christmas presents for the children so they can have a nice Christmas as well,ѻý said Fix Auto general manager David Sziker.
During a group photo, Nicole began to explain how when she heard about this yearѻýs giveaway, she began messaging friends.
ѻýWe give, I love to give, I donѻýt want to take, but I messaged a whole bunch of close friends and said weѻýre stuck, we need helpѻý,ѻý said Nicole. ѻýThis is aѻý blessing.ѻý
Nicole said she and Levi had two vehicles die on them and had been borrowing a friendѻýs truck. Recently, they were able to acquire a truck for Levi to use for work. However, Nicole said she needs a vehicle at least four days a week to get the kids around to appointments and other errands.
ѻýThe kids on the way here were like, ѻýIѻým glad daddy didnѻýt come because we didnѻýt have to squish in the truck.ѻý Now we donѻýt have to squish, we all can fit!,ѻý said Nicole.
Braby Motors hosted the first car giveaway and for Justin Braby, the event makes for one of his favourite days of the year.
ѻýIt will change their lives and it sounds like theyѻýve got a lot going on, so hopefully this will help this Christmas,ѻý said Braby.
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