'This is Truly Amazing'

TORONTO, Ont. — For seven draws, Rock the Road Raffle organizers hoped the winner would be standing in the crowd watching as the lucky ticket was drawn.

This year, they were close. As Jeff Cornett, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Executive Director, Ontario, called out Nelson Peixoto’s name in the annual draw at the Canadian International AutoShow, Rick Malda and his 10-year-old son Braeden, walking though the Show, stopped short. Then Rick pulled out his cellphone and called Nelson — his father-in-law.

It was a serendipitous crossing.

“They’re my good luck charms,” Nelson said after receiving the call that he was now the lucky owner of two Toyota GR Supras — one Nocturnal Black and the other Renaissance Red. “This is truly amazing. I’ve been supporting this draw for a few years. It’s a great cause.”

Nelson added that prostate cancer was a cause near to his heart, having lost a close friend to the disease.

This eighth Rock the Road Raffle was the first time two cars were given away. The pair of fully loaded Supras, described as “rocket fuel for your soul,” are valued at a combined $152,000. They were graciously donated by the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association of Ontario.

Rock the Road Raffle is a fun and exciting way to support families facing prostate cancer — the cause gets 100% of the proceeds raised from the draw. Since 2013, Prostate Cancer Canada (PCC) has been the beneficiary of the Raffle, raising $3 million to help end prostate cancer. On February 1, PCC amalgamated with the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and funds raised by the Raffle will continue to benefit prostate cancer-specific research and support programs. This transformational partnership allows the two organizations to deepen their impact on research and support programs, and reduce duplication.

“We are proud to be part of the Rock the Road Raffle and support people who are affected by prostate cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed among Canadian men,” says Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. “Over its history, the Raffle has raised more than $3 million, enabling us to encourage people to participate in early detection, fund research to improve prostate cancer treatments and support those who are living with and beyond the disease. We couldn’t do this without those who purchase tickets as well as our many partners including TADA, which generously donates prizes each year. Together, we are a force-for-life in the face of cancer.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men. An estimated one in nine will be diagnosed, meaning an average of 62 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed every day — and 11 will die.

Because of the funds raised through this draw, more money is invested into prostate cancer prevention, detection, support and education, helping even more Canadian men and their families.

Nelson will stop by the AutoShow on Saturday to check out his new rides.

The Rock the Road Raffle is just one of several contests taking place at the 2020 AutoShow. Many of the manufacturers are hosting contests and draws at their displays as are many AutoShow partners and sponsors, such as: TADA $50K Giveaway — Make your car-buying decision easier with $50,000 towards the purchase of any vehicle at any dealer-member of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association. Enter at the Toronto Star booth on the 300 level.   CAA – Visit the CAA Village on the 300 Level and enter to win a $2,500 gift card. Continental — Stop by the Continental Tires booth on the 800 level and enter a draw for a free set of tires.  Auto Spa/AutoShow — Take a selfie at the Auto Spa stations on the 300 level in the North Building and in Castrol Alley on the 700 level in the South Building for a chance to win Leaf tickets and a night on the town. VIA Rail – For a chance to win a return VIA trip for four from Toronto to Halifax valued at more than $8,000, enter at the VIA booth in the main showroom on the 800 level.  Tank Rides — The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum is giving away a daily prize to win a ride in a tank. Enter in the Military Zone on the 800 level.  For a full gallery of pictures from Friday at the AutoShow, please click here. Happening Saturday, February 22nd at the Canadian International AutoShow:  Live Radio — AutoShow Radio returns to 640 Toronto, from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Tune in to hear all the latest on the transformative times in the automotive industry.  Tank Talk — Visit the Celebration of Canadian Military Vehicles at 2 pm for a discussion of tanks and a live demonstration, plus a daily chance to win a ride in the Leopard tank. (South Building, 800 Level) Light Up the Night — Daily live engine fire ups in Auto Exotica, presented by Sirius XM. Hear the roar and rumble each night at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Save $6 off admission after 6 p.m. (North Building, 100 Level) Cars and Jobs — “Dogstagram” canine celebrity influencer Mr. Bentley will be at and around the Cars and Jobs Stage. (South Building, 800 Level, main showroom) AutoShow Live — On the Toronto Star Stage, CAA will talk pedestrian safety, the OPP will showcase its bomb squad and Rob McCleese from Cobble Beach Classics will tell the stories behind The Disruptors in this year’s antique collectible exhibit. (North Building, 300 Level)

The Canadian International AutoShow takes place February 14th to 23rd, 2020, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre