Unfortunately, the annual car show supporting Regina Food Bank cancelled due to Covid-19
REGINA — Access Communications Co-operative announced Tuesday it is rebranding its Access7 community channels and platform as AccessNow TV.
“One of the pillars of our co-operative’s mission is to tell the stories of Saskatchewan through community programming,” said Jim Deane, CEO of Access Communications, in the news release. “Thanks to our incredible community producers, staff and volunteers, our community channels have brought these unique stories to life for over 40 years. We showcase our province with a variety of lifestyle, culture, entertainment, and sports programming, including live, on-location events. AccessNow TV’s new modern look is an opportunity for those stories to reach a new generation of creators and viewers alike.”
As a not-for-profit, community-owned co-operative, Access Communications reinvests more than $2.5 million per year into community programming. Its original community channel, Cable Regina Channel 3, launched in 1978. Today, AccessNow TV is in almost 100 communities across Saskatchewan, each with its own community channel and local shows. AccessNow TV airs more than 2,800 hours of first-run local programs.
“AccessNow TV speaks to what is happening right now in the communities we serve,” said Tracey Mucha, community programming manager at Access Communications. “When Access7 launched, all its programming aired on the linear TV channel 7. But we no longer deliver content in a linear world. Our community programming is available in high definition, video-on-demand and YouTube. We wanted our name to reflect the innovation and growth of not only our platform, but our province. AccessNow TV is YOUR channel, Saskatchewan!”
Access Communications also announced today the Labour Day Show N Shine, one of the largest car shows in Western Canada, has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in accordance with guidelines from public health authorities. The event was scheduled for Monday, September 7 and this year would have marked its 14th year.
The Labour Day Show N Shine is a partnership between Access Communications Co-operative and the Collectors Car Club of Saskatchewan. Each year the event brings together car enthusiasts and community businesses to raise funds, typically drawing more than 500 car exhibitors and 5,000 attendees, and raising almost $30,000 in support of the Regina Food Bank.
“Ultimately, the health and safety of our guests, exhibitors and volunteers was our highest priority,” said Access CEO Jim Deane, in the news release announcing the event’s cancellation. “This event is special — we know the car enthusiast community will be disappointed. But we are most disappointed for the Regina Food Bank, when it needs our community’s support now more than ever.”
“We rely on the support of our community to feed those in need, and the Labour Day Show N Shine has always been a highlight of our year and a critical event that makes our work possible,” said John Bailey, CEO of the Regina Food Bank. “Through the Covid-19 pandemic, safety has been our priority. We are saddened there won’t be a Show N Shine this year but cancelling the 2020 event is the right decision. We’re grateful for this partnership, and we hope those disappointed will find it in their hearts to donate directly to the food bank instead.”
The Regina Food Bank is seeing more than double the number of people using its services due to Covid-19 and is expecting an even higher surge in demand in the fall. Donations are needed to sustain these services. To donate, please visit reginafoodbank.ca.
