That's how they roll: Wheels for Wishes kicks off 4th annual fundraiser

Hundreds of automobile enthusiasts gathered in St. John's on Saturday for Wheels for Wishes, showing off their vintage, unique and rare cars and raising money to give guide dogs to the visually impaired.

The event, in collaboration with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), had games, food vendors, raffle tickets, and hundreds of cars lining parking lots just off Kelsey Drive. 

This year's recipient is 19-year-old Kylie Matthews from Massey Drive.

"I'm speechless," she said. "The amount of people that came out today.… Newfoundlanders are just so generous and to see all these people out here and donating what they can for a guide dog for me, it's amazing. It's inspiring."

"These people volunteer their time just to change people's lives, change the lives of visually impaired people."

Leon House is the founder of Wheels for Wishes and he said the program started as a method to give back to the community. 

On Saturday, he said that there were over 400 cars at the event, some dating back to the 1930s. 

But, events like these also speak to the people who volunteer their time and vehicles.

"We come out, we empower the automotive community to basically raise $50,000 and change the life of a kid in Newfoundland and Labrador," House explained. 

"It can be anyone of us at any point in time that needs help. You know, you have to give love to get love." 

Duane Morgan is the regional vice-president with CNIB for Atlantic Canada and he said that Kylie will be matched with a guide dog as soon as the right match is available.

He said that CNIB also provides support throughout the life of the match. 

"So, while a guide dog is working with a person, we will help support in vet bills plus food monthly for the dog," he said.

With all the costs combined, Morgan said they estimate a $50,000 price tag.