Jorge Maria
Shawville Oct. 13, 2021
Pontiac car enthusiasts spent their last cruise night at the Giant Tiger parking lot in Shawville trying to keep warm with hot coffee and a barbecue on Sept. 30.
The group has been getting together every week since July but after several other car groups decided to shut down for the season and the evenings began to cool with the onset of autumn Len and Cathy Watson decided to do the same for the Pontiac Cruise group.
Co-organizer, Cathy Watson said she really appreciated the work people put into restoring and maintaining the vintage cars. Her husband and co-organizer, Len Watson has put in $15,000 on his own car. Others have put in much more.
The summer long cruise nights featured 50/50 draws every weekend. On the final night all the funds raised were donated to the Villa James Shaw project. Project president, Ken Bernard was on hand to receive the donation.
Bernard said the Villa James Shaw project is moving along. Architects and engineers are engaged and they are probably about 25 per cent complete.
The organization has recently applied for funding from Quebec’s Rapid Housing initiative which, if approved ,will be a major “shot in the arm” for the development of the project, but every donation, every charitable event helps bring the project closer to fruition.
The Villa James Shaw will be an independent living facility which will provide 50 suites for seniors that wish to downsize and simplify their lives. Suites range from 500 to 700 square feet, with food provided by a full kitchen staff.
