Their ‘End of an era’ show and shine event in November raised over $4000 for the Westpac helicopter rescue service and they brought some special cars to the cheque handover at the Rocks Ferry reserve in Wauchope.

The show was held at Westport Park in Port Macquarie in November, to mark the end of production of the classic cars in Australia.

In a fantastic effort, the End of an Era show and shine event attracted over 320 motor vehicles, including a Model-T Ford.

Those attractions combined to ensure thousands converged on the park for the day of tribute.

Annette Magennis of the Mid North Coast Ford Owners Club said that putting aside the friendly rivalry with the Hastings Old Holdens members meant they collaborated rather than competed.

“It was a big success,” Ms Magennis said.

“We raised over $4,000 and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter is such a worthy cause.  

“They save lives and they depend on the community to find their expenses.  

“One day, your life might be impacted by the service,” she added.

Mick Brownlow from Hastings Old Holdens said it was the Ford Club’s initiative.

“We thought: ‘What a top idea.’ We commiserated together that we lost our favourite cars.”

Bruce Cant who’s president of the Hastings Support Group for the Westpac Helicopter Rescue say they rely on donations from the community, which amounted to $90,000 last year.

“It costs $3,000 per hour every time the helicopter is called out, so we are delighted to get this kind of help,” he said.

The organisers would like to thank all the sponsors: the Wauchope Newsagency, M & S Print, Mitre 10, Toytopia, NAB bank, Westpac Bank, all in Wauchope, Gordon Street car wash in Port Macquarie, Killer Graffix and Signs in Gloucester.

Optus, Shannons Insurance, Gourmet Table Sensations in Port Macquarie, Graham’s Specialty Clocks, Miedecke Motor Group in Port Macquarie, Stewy’s Auto Accessories Taree and Holiday Coast Credit Union in Port Macquarie.