Every now and then my faith is restored in society and those who go beyond what they need to do to help others, and last month a great thing happened.

Gerry Forbes Hometown Heroes is a program I started with CJAY92 and The Calgary Sun to show some of the great things happening in Calgary that people don’t hear about day to day.

Last month I was approached by Tony Dilawri of the Dilawri Group of companies who own several car dealerships across Canada and right here in town.  Tony then said he had a great idea and you know what? He really did have a great idea to help Gerry Forbes Secret Wish and The CJAY Kids Fund.

Tony partnered with BMO and had people drop off all their pennies at BMO Banks all across the city. The great team of employees then wrapped and transported them for us, and then Tony himself stepped up and donated a portion of the proceeds of every car sold in anyone of his dealerships for the month of June.

The Dilawri family has a great history of philanthropy so much so they set up a foundation and this foundation is used to support a wide number of causes here in Calgary.

The Dilawri Foundation across Canada and here in Calgary has donated 7 million dollars for The Sick Kids Centre for Research, Kids Cancer Care and Tony just finished The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer with a huge cheque attached.

Other programs include Vehicle of giving Charity Month, Passion For Excellence Programs for kids and Little Warriors.

These are just a few great things on a much longer list of what this great gentleman has achieved.

For that I thank him for helping me out and becoming a Gerry Forbes Hometown Hero. If you know someone who like Tony does great things to make Calgary the best City to live work and play in, nominate him at CJAY92.COM and click on Gerry Forbes Hometown Heroes and tell me a great inspiring story.

- Ger