One Car Dealer’s Legacy Is Helping the BGHF Battle Cancer

During negotiations for the sale of Peter Smith GM, Vicki Smith proposed a joint venture to new dealer principal Cole Allinger to donate a brand new Cadillac CT4 Sport to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation. This was done as a thank you to the community for their support of the business and a lasting legacy for her late husband Peter Smith. This gift valued at over $48,000 has created a brand new opportunity for BGHF. The Car4Cancer raffle was born.

All the proceeds from the Car4Cancer raffle will support the Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Clinic at Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital. Vicki Smith says, “Peter was very active in so many areas of community. He was a big supporter of BGHF not just with donations but with his time on the BGH Foundation board. I know he would be pleased that we were able to do this before Peter Smith GM changed hands.” Allinger says, “We all know someone who has battled cancer, so we all want to help in any way we can. I was inspired by the project. It serves such a need in our community and we can all offer our support.”

One in three Canadians are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In our community, regardless of where you live, if you or a loved one have cancer you will most likely be visiting the Oncology Department at Belleville General Hospital. Dr. Roger Levesque is the Head Medical Oncologist at Quinte Health Care. Dr Levesque says, “When you have cancer, it affects every part of your life, from your health to your relationships with your family to your hopes and dreams.”

BGHF Executive Director Steve Cook says, “Since 1979, the Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Fund within BGHF has allowed members of this community to have access to cutting edge treatments earlier, and has given our cancer clinic the flexibility to provide the same excellent care as in the larger centres, but right here close to home.” Cook added, “The donation of a Cadillac CT4 Sport from the Smith Family, Mr. Allinger and the team at Peter Smith GM will help generate much needed funds to support everyone in our area who is battling cancer.”

Tickets for the Cadillac CT4 Sport courtesy of Peter Smith GM can be purchased online at www.car4cancer.ca. Tickets are $25 each, or 5 for $100 or 15 for $250. The draw will take place December 22, 2021 at 10 am at Peter Smith GM.