Aldo loves classic cars, loves helping others (2 photos)

Aldo Deluca, an Algoma Steel retiree, is one of the prime movers and shakers behind classic vehicle shows which take place in the Sault in the spring, summer and fall months, many of which are fundraisers or just aimed at cheering locals as they attend the shows, view the vehicles  and take fond trips down memory lane.

“They (the vehicles) bring back a lot of good memories for people. I do a lot of car shows at retirement homes and nursing homes for about an hour or an hour and a half, bring the residents out and it brings smiles to their faces, because they’re indoors and in their rooms for most of the day,” Aldo told SooToday while at a classic vehicle show held July 7 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 (a fundraiser for the Legion).

The next big local classic vehicle show Aldo has helped to organize will be a fundraiser for Sault Area Hospital (SAH) July 29, to be held at Maslack Supply at 340 Great Northern Rd.

“We’re expecting about 250 cars, and all the money raised there will be for the hospital’s cardiac care, so that people won’t have to travel to Sudbury or Toronto, it means less travelling and it’ll save lives of course.”

Aldo volunteers at SAH for about four to eight hours a week, sometimes more, assisting those in wheelchairs and helping them get to the right department for their appointments.

“I really enjoy doing that because I get to help a lot of people, and that’s what keeps me going,” said Aldo, who also performs maintenance work for local hotels to keep busy.

“I always wanted to volunteer at the hospital but didn’t have time before I retired...they need as much help as they can.”

Aldo is proud of his 1967 Ford Fairlane GT, which includes a working 8-track tape player.

“I play the Beach Boys, Elvis, that’s my favourite period,” Aldo smiled.    

The vehicle has been included in Foxfire, a 1996 film starring Angelina Jolie, parts of which were filmed in Sault Ste. Marie, our area substituting for parts of the U.S.

The show also appeared in an episode of the Trailer Park Boys TV series.

Aldo can be often seen chatting over coffee with fellow classic vehicle enthusiasts at Maslack Supply and A&W.

“We’re not an official club. We’re just a bunch of guys who like talking about cars and old times,” he grinned.