The seventh annual Bandit Run for Make A Wish Canada was another huge success taking place in Port Hope on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Murray McMillan, Founder & National President Firebird Club Of Canada said the Bandit Run pays homage to the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit starting Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason and Jerry Reed.
The film follows Bo “Bandit” Darville (Reynolds) and Cledus “Snowman” Snow (Reed), two truck-driving bootleggers attempting to illegally transport 400 cases of Coors beer from Texarkana to Atlanta. While the Snowman drives the truck carrying the beer, the Bandit drives blocker, in a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, to distract law enforcement and keep the attention off the Snowman. During their run, they are pursued by Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Gleason), of Montague County, Texas, as indicated by the decal on the Sheriff’s patrol car.
The Bandit Run took place in Cobourg for the last six years, but have now moved next door to Port Hope.
McMillan said the entire day is about having fun, but, “it’s a catalyst for raising money for these children.”
A total of 144 vehicles started off from the Port Hope Town Hall departing at exactly 10:30 a.m. for a tour of Port Hope and Hamilton Township before with people waving along the route. The convoy arrived back to Memorial Park for a car show for the afternoon..
Being a former firefighter McMillan was very thankful for the support of Port Hope Police,
Northumberland OPP, Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services and Hamilton Township Fire Department during the ride.
It wasn’t only about Smokey and the Bandit that came out on Sunday, the Dukes of Hazzard’s General Lee and Boss Hog’s Cadillac also took part.
Over the past six years a total of $68,000 has been raised through the Bandit Run for Make A Wish Canada.
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
