Derand Motorsport Car Show Series
Since 2017, Derand Motorsports has proudly hosted annual charity car shows and charity car cruises in Ottawa, supporting the Ottawa Heart Institute and the CHEO Foundation. What makes these events special is not just the money raised — but the story behind why they began. The journey started when Andre Derouchie, owner of Derand Motorsports and Aidan's father, faced a serious health crisis that required open-heart surgery and a month-long stay at the Ottawa Heart Institute. Experiencing firsthand the care, professionalism, and life-saving work of the hospital left a lasting impact on the entire family. Wanting to give back, Aidan Derouchie — who was only 14 years old at the time — decided to take action. At just 14, Aidan organized his first charity car show in support of the Ottawa Heart Institute. What started as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger. Each event began attracting hundreds of cars, drawing together Ottawa's automotive community for a shared purpose. As the years went on, the shows continued to grow, expanding their support to include the CHEO Foundation and children's healthcare initiatives. Since that first event, Aidan has organized over 10 large-scale charity car shows and 7 COVID-restricted charity car cruises, ensuring fundraising efforts continued even during periods of lockdown and public health restrictions. Together, these events have raised over $70,000 for local hospitals, directly supporting cardiac care and pediatric healthcare in the Ottawa region. As a family-owned business, Derand Motorsports remains closely tied to the community it serves. Andre, Aidan, and the entire Derand team are hands-on in organizing, promoting, and supporting these charity events every year. The car shows are more than automotive gatherings — they represent gratitude, resilience, and a deep commitment to giving back. Through these ongoing efforts, Derand Motorsports continues to bring together hundreds of vehicles, families, and supporters to make a meaningful difference for local healthcare in Ottawa.
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