While the late afternoon rain may have made things a little damp, many residents and out-of-town visitors spent a large chunk of their day at the CanJam for Kids with Cancer event on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The annual event, which was held at the Knights Halls in Brantford, raised money for local children with cancer and their families. Funds raised through this year’s CanJam will support the Pediatric Cancer Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton.
Vanessa Macedo, a Development Officer at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, said that MacKids couldn’t do what it does for children without the community’s support.
“MacKids is the regional referral centre for families living in Brantford. It’s home to the largest neonatal intensive care unit in all of Canada. We are the only inpatient pediatric cancer program in southern Ontario, and we have the largest child and youth mental health program in the province,” said Macedo. “Proceeds from today will be supporting the pediatric oncology program, which, it’s unfortunate to say, we had to expand because more children are being diagnosed with cancer. But with that expansion, we are able to provide acute healthcare. So your support is essential to the work of the hospital. Without community support, we would not be able to do what we are able to do. The foundation provides life-saving patient equipment, life-saving programs and amenities, and takes part in innovative research initiatives, all to help children’s health, so thank you for being here.”
Proceeds will also support Help a Child Smile through three $2,500 scholarships for students whose families have been impacted by childhood cancer. The non-profit organization also provides free outings for families, covers parking costs throughout treatment, and helps deliver comfort items and essentials during unexpected hospital stays.
Rick Locke, one of the CanJam organizers, said he’s been involved in the annual event for the past ten years, and is proud of what the event has been trying to achieve for over four decades.
“What better cause is there than helping to support kids with cancer, you know? Until you understand everything that goes on behind the scenes, like parking and other family expenses, you don’t really know what’s involved until you’re involved,” he said. “Thankfully, we have a good community here in Brantford, and the last few years we’ve been able to raise $35,000-plus for the cause in just one day. Even during the pandemic, we made $8,000, so it just goes to show you what can happen when everyone comes together to support something like this.”
Locke added that day is made possible not only by the 11 person planning committee but the local businesses who donate prizes and funds, and everyone who donates their time to make it happen.
“Not one cent from this event is given to anybody,” he said. “Everything is done by volunteers. The bands volunteer their time, Greg our sound guy volunteers, and the entire committee volunteers. All of our prizes have been donated and all of that helps make sure that all of the money can go back to the cause.”
The event featured a car show, plenty of food, a raffle with around 75 prizes, 50/50 draws, nearly a dozen vendors and six bands providing live entertainment throughout the day.
Guests spent the afternoon enjoying a line up of music from local entertainers including Mike Thorpe, the Vooodooo Kingz, Loose Moralz Entertainment, Cobby’s Kitchen Party, Willie and Friends, and Route 6. Even when the rain came, die-hard CanJammers stayed outside dancing away.
There were around 50 entries into this year’s car show. From a 1931 Ford Model A to 1976 Pontiac Trans Am, a 1941 Chevrolet Styleline-Deluxe Sport Coupe, and a 1977 Chevrolet Nomad, there were plenty of makes and models to admire.
In between music sets, Ezio D’Ignazio, owner of Route 24 Auto, gave out several awards for Best Truck, Best Ford, Best Street and Strip, Best in Show, Best Hot Rod, Best Chev-GM, Best 4×4 and Best Mopar.
D’Ignazio said that while the rain may have affected how many cars and people came out to the event, he said he and the rest of the CanJam committee were happy to welcome everyone back.
“The turnout is still respectable,” he said. “We work hard all year to make this happen so we’re glad that people are here with us.”
Beth Walsh, another organizer for the event who has been involved in CanJam for decades, said it warms her heart to see people come out year after year to support the cause.
“It’s so heartwarming,” she said. “If you think of the kids and what they’re going through, what their families go through, you’ll understand that this cause and the money we raise, is so very important. We thank everyone who is here, and all our sponsors who have helped with today. Our since thanks to the Knights’ for the accommodation, the crew in the kitchen and our volunteers; they are the backbone of this event.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
