For three days this August, a quiet stretch of acreage just outside Moose Jaw didn’t just host a car show, it hosted an automotive phenomenon. When the Western Canadian Nationals (WCN) rolled onto the Anderson property, the sight of cars coming to see the show were backed up for more than three miles down the highway and almost backed up to the Manitoba Street Expressway, It was a visual reminder of how large this event was and Mel Anderson described it, an “absolutely mind-blowing, huge success.”
While the classic automobiles drew the crowds, the true engine behind the event was a dedication to giving back. The WCN car show has officially tallied a staggering $72,690 in donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan. For the Andersons, who have been fundraising for the charity for 12 years, this is their largest single donation to date.
But the fundraising isn’t over. With a current running total of $236,360 over the years, Mel is quick to point out that their efforts continue through to the end of October. “It’s been an unbelievable vibe!” she exclaimed.
The passion behind the Andersons’ fundraising is a commitment to Ronald McDonald House; it’s rooted in deep, personal experiences. Eighteen years ago, Mel’s nephew was critically injured in an ATV accident, and the charity provided the family with a lifeline during a desperate time. In 2017, the daughter of a long-time employee of Cal’s was diagnosed with leukemia, relying on the Saskatoon facility for 191 days.
The realization that their passion could alleviate the financial burden on families already suffering under the weight of a medical crisis is why the Andersons have made this a year-round mission. “You don’t need that stress,” Mel noted.
Transitioning from their annual, locally-focused charity show to a national-scale event like the WCN was a massive leap. Mel admits the learning curve was steep, primarily involving months of intensive planning that began back in January. Securing sponsorships was a significant challenge, but one they tackled with determination.
The event, supported by a dedicated team of 65 volunteers, required a level of precision rarely seen at private events. They even engaged local senior homes to help format a site plan, ensuring the acreage was accessible for those who needed consideration in navigating the grounds and locating facilities.
“We had a team meeting, and everyone knew what they were doing,” Mel recalled. “Friday was the meet and greet, and Saturday, everyone knew exactly where they were supposed to go to do their part.” The resulting flow saw constantly moving visitors around the property and through the buildings.
The event also brought a touch of celebrity, with Mike Hall and Avery Shoaf from the hit show Rust Valley Restorers making appearances. Far from being aloof, the television stars left a lasting impression on the hosts.
Mel was visibly touched by the interactions. “Mike himself phoned me and said they were very proud of us and that we treated them like princes,” she said. “He told me, ‘You were kind to us and treated us like family.’”
Those sentiments were echoed by the public. “I was walking over to look after the Rust guys, and a guy was there with his two kids, ages 10 and 12,” Mel recounted. “The kids had T-shirts signed. The father said, ‘We are from Melfort, and we wanted to come to see the Rust Valley Restorers. We wanted to see this event, and it was really worth it.’”
That positive feedback wasn’t limited to the celebrities. Local vendors reported a massive economic boom, with some claiming they “tripled sidewalk days” in terms of traffic and sales. The economic ripple effect of nearly 3,000 visitors descending on Moose Jaw was felt across the city’s hotels and restaurants.
Even in the heat, the intense planning, and the exhaustive cleanup, Mel Anderson didn’t hesitate for a second to say they would do it again “in a heartbeat,” she said.
For the Andersons, the success of the event isn’t ultimately measured in dollars or vehicle counts, though those numbers are undeniably impressive. It’s more about the difference they can make for families. They remain humble about their role, insisting, “We are not a massive business, but our heart is to do this, and because of that, we are happy to do it seven days a week all year long.”
As the dust settles, the Andersons aren’t slowing down. They are already planning their sixth annual car show, scheduled for September 19, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“Our car show has been a huge success because it has grown every year,” Mel said. “Who knows, our September event could be a big event, too.”
By Joan Ritchie
Moose Jaw Express
