ELORA – The Soap Box Derby is back to kick off Canada Day in Centre Wellington.
After a hiatus due to COVID-19, anyone between the ages of six and 16 is welcome to sign up and welcome back the race.
The deadline to register is June 17; details are available at centrewellington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
It is $20 to race, which goes towards the cost of the event.
There are prizes for the top three fastest cars in all four divisions, a prize for most creative car, and for rookie of the year. And all racers will receive a souvenir T-shirt.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington (BBBSCW) is organizing the race.
“This event has been a favourite of my family’s since we moved to Elora,” stated BBBS board member and organizer Kate Guy in a press release.
“I eagerly agreed to help organize the derby when I heard it could happen again.”
She mentioned there has been great support for the event, with quite a few volunteers wanting to help.
The Soap Box Derby returns to Elora on July 1. Submitted photo
The only issue Guy can think of is a shortage of racing cars. Often these cars are passed down through generations, but the pause in racing due to COVID-19 seems to have produced a bit of a shortage.
If anyone has an old soap box car they would be willing to loan for this race it would be much appreciated, added Guy.
To ensure the car qualifies, refer to the rules and regulations on the BBBS website.
Often the cars can be ordered in a kit as well, Guy added, encouraging participants to try their hand at decorating their vehicle.
“The idea behind Soap Box really is to decorate cars,” said Guy, adding the idea is a good fit for BBBSCW, as it’s an event that children and adults can prepare for together, between acquiring a car, decorating and preparing for the race.
According to Guy, BBBSCW is in desperate need of mentors, as schools have already requested over 50 matches to begin in September.
Guy credits the demand to a few factors, from children needing support related to the pandemic, to schools finally opening up and submitting children for the program.
BBBS is looking for all mentors, particularly men.
“You can make a big difference in a kid’s life,” Guy stated.
“We are hoping this event brings the exposure we need to let the community know that youth are struggling and as a result, there is a big need for volunteers. An hour a week can make an incredible impact.”
For more information on BBBSCW or to register for the race, visit centrewellington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
