âWe got picked! I wish you were here!â
Silver Creekâs Nicole Newton was overwhelmed with tears of joy as she shared the news with husband Levi via cellphone that theyâd 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 (Nicoleâs 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.
âIn my 74 years on this planet, Iâve never seen a such a deserving family,â 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.
âWe went through, I think it was 96 nominations â a record, the most so far â and just, given their circumstances and how they contribute to the surrounding area and how they contribute to their own community, theyâre trying their hardest and I feel like this is going to be a good hand up to help them out,â 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 yearâs 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.
âWe also got a whole bunch of Christmas presents for the children so they can have a nice Christmas as well,â said Fix Auto general manager David Sziker.
During a group photo, Nicole began to explain how when she heard about this yearâs giveaway, she began messaging friends.
âWe give, I love to give, I donât want to take, but I messaged a whole bunch of close friends and said weâre stuck, we need helpâŠ,â said Nicole. âThis is a⊠blessing.â
Nicole said she and Levi had two vehicles die on them and had been borrowing a friendâs 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.
âThe kids on the way here were like, âIâm glad daddy didnât come because we didnât have to squish in the truck.â Now we donât have to squish, we all can fit!,â 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.
âIt will change their lives and it sounds like theyâve got a lot going on, so hopefully this will help this Christmas,â said Braby.
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