ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Carrying on their father’s legacy was a no-brainer.
Brandon Dwyer has helped lead the charge to ensure the work his father, Brad Smith, started is part of a lasting legacy now and into the future.
“Dad was somebody who gave back to charities like Children’s Wish. He granted three wishes, doing more the last several years before he passed, than he had done previously. That is who he was,’’ Dwyer said.
Dwyer, his brother Ryan and their mother Jackie, and Brad’s nephew Jonathan Tucker sat down and planned something they felt would be a legacy-building event in Smith’s memory, and the inaugural Wheels for Wishes — Brad Smith Legacy Show was born.
The car show will be presented by S&S Supply on July 14 at Mount Pearl Square, 760 Topsail Rd. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the event of rain, it will be moved to July 21.
“He had a burning desire to grant more wishes, and through what we are doing here, those desires will be met." — Brandon Dwyer
Smith was a huge advocate of the Children’s Wish Foundation and granted three wishes to children in Newfoundland and Labrador living with life-threatening illnesses.
“He had a burning desire to grant more wishes, and through what we are doing here, those desires will be met,’’ Dwyer said.
“Dad had no idea about the car show, but I can tell you, he would be pleased.’’
Brad’s legacy even captured the attention of the Discovery Network’s “Bad Chad” Hiltz and Jolene MacIntyre from Bad Chad Customs, who will spend the day celebrating Wheels for Wishes.
“The unity and excitement of this show has been building for months, and finally all of the pieces have come together,” said Barry Fowler, provincial director of Children’s Wish Foundation, Newfoundland chapter.
“This is truly a wonderful family event, which is what Brad would have wanted.”
Smith loved people. He felt their pain, celebrated their triumphs and lightened their spirits, making the community a better place because of his kind deeds that were made possible by him donating his time and efforts, using his wit and sense of fair nature that he translated into becoming a successful businessman.
He was inspired by the concept he could grant a wish to a child with a life-threatening illness – and provide a momentary reprieve from hospital visits and harsh treatments, so a child and their family can enjoy life and create memories to last a lifetime.
The event promises awesome displays by premier car and cycle groups, live music, food vendors and more. By bringing families together in the spirit of fun and fundraising, the event will do what Smith wanted most.
Smith died less than a year ago, on July 30, 2018, after a multi-year struggle with cancer.
