The Third Annual Show & Shine for Spencer Devine Car Show Takes Place August 18, 2024 at the Port Hope Fair Grounds.
All proceeds go in support of mental health awareness locally.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with prizes awarded in a number of categories.
Devine passed away on September 15, 2021 at 34-years-old in Port Hope.
Devine’s mother, Liz Jeffries stated the system failed her son time and time again when he reached out for help.
Spencer’s passion were cars, storm chasing and photography and from that, the annual Show & Shine for Spencer Devine was started.
“It’s a memorial car show,” said Jeffries.
“We’re doing it to honour his memory and love of cars in support of mental health and awareness in the community. Spencer had a hard time finding any kind of support for services. He had made phone calls from Belleville to Oshawa and he was given no information.”
Jeffries said their goal is to create awareness in the community, where there are supports, what the supports are and how to find them.
The first year was a “meet” of Spencer’s friends at Memorial Park in Port Hope.
“Spence was a great extreme photographer of storm chasing out west, so I had a lot of his storm chasing photos. We had a nice gathering of our 20 vehicles, motorcycles and cars.”
In 2023, there were approximately 100 vehicles that took part.
“This year we’re hoping for 200, or 300 – let’s go.”
Jeffries has always stated the money is welcomed and every penny goes the Canadian Mental Health Association which stays locally, but the main goal is to create awareness.
“The money is the cherry on top. The community has been absolutely amazing.”
“We don’t charge registration for vendors or visitors – we just ask for donations at registration.”
With money staying locally from the event, Jeffries hope is that information is available in as many places as possible.
“Any office, any where, so people know where to find the resources.”
There are eight different categories with awards including, best in class for motorcycle, trucks, imports, classics, hot rods, and peoples choice.
There will also be food vendors, merchandise and live music.
“It’s going to be a great day. The atmosphere is fantastic and it’s such a nice venue.”
Jeffries said that her son would be looking down and saying, “you guys go.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association will provide receipts for donations $20 and over.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
