A Community Barbecue hosted by Zach Hofer's grandfather raised $5,661.65 for the Barrie teen's fundraising drive for RVH.
A proud Doug Roberts presented his grandson with several cheques that helped boost the 'Zach Makes Tracks' campaign to new heights.
"Today with these donations, Zach has officially surpassed raising $40,000 - and he hasn't even started yet," Zach's mom Shelley Hofer told the crowd that showed up Saturday at Fix Auto Barrie and Roberts Complete Auto Care on Brock St.
Both businesses are owned by Roberts whose team organize the event and helped gather donations from several other auto industry companies.
In two weeks, 13-year-old Zach embarks on the main event of his fundraising mission and awareness campaign for the new Child and Youth Mental Health Unit at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
He plans to run, bike, walk and scooter to Parliament Hill and will be leaving from the hospital on Aug. 13.
"It's been a great day," said Roberts.
