FERGUS, Ont. – Organizers of the 19th annual Fergus Truck Show have presented $26,878 to 19 local community groups, including the Groves Memorial Community Hospital.

Four hundred and fifty-four volunteers from the 19 community groups contributed a combined 3,118 hours of time to working prior to and during the Truck Show, which was held July 23-25, 2004 at the Fergus and District Community Centre.

The 2004 show alone generated close to $100,000 in profit and organizers say all previous records were broken in terms of attendance and show entries.

Nearly 54,000 people attended the 2004 show, an increase of 12,000 from the show in 2003, said Wayne Billings, president.

“Because of the tremendous year we had with the show, we are very pleased to be able to donate an extra $1 per hour bonus to all of the groups assisting at the show,” said Billings.

The volunteer groups that participated include: Alma Optimist, Arthur Optimist, Belwood Lions Club, CWDHS Mission, Centre Wellington In-Line Hockey, Centre Wellington Rotary Breakfast Club, Country Wings, Elora Mohawks, Fergus Devils, Fergus Highland Rugby, Fergus Tennis Club, Grand Harmony Chorus, Lightening Slow Pitch, Melville United Church, Men for Missions, Royal City Ambassadors, Tri City Football, St. John Ambulance and Groves Memorial Community Hospital.

Cheques were presented to each group on Dec. 6 at the Fergus Truck Show office.

The 20th annual Fergus Truck Show is set to be held July 22-24, 2005. Contact Sherry Clarke, administrator, for more details at (519) 843-3412.