A popular television show, profiling the escapades of Sarnia's Preferred Towing, is coming to an end.
The seventh and final season of Heavy Rescue: 401 premieres on January 23 on the Discovery Channel. The program features dramatic recoveries along Ontario’s 400 series highways. Co-Owner Gary Vandenheuvel said it's been extremely successful, being broadcast in 170 countries across the world.
"My wife Tammy and I get emails almost everyday from fans around the world," said Gary. "This past summer, we had people stop by almost weekly from Europe, Australia and all kinds of places. It's been really neat to experience that as well."
Gary said it's been cool for him and Tammy to see their son Colin grow up over the past seven years.
"He started as a light duty driver, and now he's running the rotator so it's been amazing," said Gary. "He'll forever live on in an episode where he was on a mud road and got stuck. All of the fans remember that. He's just grown and matured so much."
Meanwhile, fans will get the chance to see the episode before it airs.
There's a watch party fundraiser being held on January 21, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., at the Dante Club in Sarnia. Proceeds benefit the Vandenheuvels' youth transitional housing facility, Ohana Landing.
Tammy said they've assisted 27 youth at Ohana Landing since opening the facility in 2019.
"They have affordable housing and it's supportive housing," said Tammy. "They're connected with a housing support worker who assists them with everything from getting back to school, getting a job, getting connected with services, doing life skills and just general supports."
Tickets are $45 and include a pasta dinner, silent auction and prizes.
They can be purchased at Preferred Towing at 46 Indian Road South, by calling 519-344-7277 or emailing office@preferredtowing.com.