They may be called the little dealership that could.

Magnuson Ford in Abbotsford was the top dealership in all of Canada for the 'Drive One Event' over the past year, raising more than $148,000 for local charities.

"It's great, a lot of groups rallied around the program," said owner Layne Magnuson Jr.

Participating groups included 12 area schools and numerous non-profit organizations.

Test-drives for new Ford vehicles were set up at various locations in the community throughout the year, and $20 per test drive was donated by the dealership to various charities.

Ford Canada had earmarked 500 Drive One events for 440 dealerships around the country, and Magnuson Ford was involved in 53 of them, thus contributing more than 10 per cent to the cause.

John MacMullin spearheaded the events for the local dealership.

"He wanted us to do as many as we possibly could," said Magnuson, adding he dedicated extra staff for the cause. "Not a lot of dealers jumped on it like we did. I can see the differences in the communities; we wanted to make a statement within the community. We are a good community partner."

The money raised will stay in the area and support local causes such as: the Run for the Cure, Child Find BC, BC

Cancer Society, local sports organizations, Special Adventurers, Matthew's House and others.

"You get to see where the money is going," he said.

Magnuson Ford held another event last Saturday with funds raised going to the Abbotsford Food Bank and Operation Red Nose. The unofficial total now raised is $156,000 (including Saturday's event).

"Community is at the forefront of our goals, to be a good corporate citizen in that regard," said Magnuson.

JKonda-Witte@abbotsfordtimes.com