Several hundred people attended the CanJam for Kids with cancer event at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The annual event raises money for Help a Child Smile, a non-profit organization that helps local children being treated for cancer at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, by providing opportunities for them and their families to smile and have fun.
“Can Jam is a fun-filled day; it has a car show, food, a raffle with around 70 prizes, a 50/50, 17 vendors, and this year, we’re very fortunate because we have six bands who have all volunteered to perform this year,” said Kathy Emmett, CanJam volunteer organizer. “All the money that we raise gets donated to Help a Child Smile to help local families of children with cancer, and we also give out scholarships to help them further their education as well.”
Emmett said that got involved with the event just over two years ago because she knows how tough it is to go through cancer treatment.
“For me, it kind of was personal because I’m a cancer survivor. Being in the hospital and watching the children, I saw just how strong and resilient they are,” she said. “It’s nice being a part of something that gives back so they can have a day out at African Lion Safari, or Canada’s Wonderland, you know? They get a day where they aren’t attached to the hospital and they get to just be a kid. And it’s not just for the children either, the families benefit too because they get parking passes, gas cards, food, and games… that’s all part of it.”
Emmett added that her and the other core group of volunteers who put the event on each year, were happy with how many people showed up or got involved with CanJam 2025.
“We’re so lucky because we got more bands, more vendors and more sponsors who all showed up for this year’s event. We even had West Jet jump on board for our grand prize, which is a trip for two anywhere West Jet flies, plus $500 spending money,” she said. “We’re just thankful for everybody who came out, especially our sponsors. I think they’re happy to get involved because they know the money stays in our community and that makes a big difference for what we’re trying to do here.”
Guests spent the afternoon enjoying a line up of music from local bands like Crevice Tool, Two for the Road, Counting Down the Hours, Cobby’s Kitchen Party, Route 6 and the Vooodooo Kingz.
As well, there were around 80 entries into this year’s car show. From a 1949 Meteor V8 to a 1956 Ford “Celtic” Thunderbird, a 1963 Chevrolet Impala, and 1941 Dodge Cab Over Engine (COE) truck, there were plenty of makes and models to admire.
In between music sets, Ezio D’ignazo, 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.
Beth Walsh, an organizer for the event, said she was so thankful to all the volunteers who make the CanJam happen year after year.
“Without the volunteers and the board that we have, this event just wouldn’t happen,” she said. “Everyone has a job and they just go and do it, no questions asked.”
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.
