/EINPresswire.com/ -- FORT MCMURRAY, AB -- (Marketwired) -- 05/26/16 -- In an effort to raise disaster relief funds for the fire stricken community of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Marty Giles, dealer principal of NorthStar Ford Group, is auctioning off a 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang. All proceeds from the winning bid will go directly to the Canadian Red Cross to support fire recovery efforts in Fort McMurray.

In early May 2016, a wildfire tore through the community of Fort McMurray and destroyed 2,400 buildings and displaced 88,000 residents. In an effort to support the residents of Fort McMurray, Marty Giles and his wife Dennine have decided to auction off a 2016 Mustang previously intended for personal use. The auction, now open, closes on Friday, May 27 at noon MDT.

The winning bidder will also receive a number of collector items, including a die cast model 66 Shelby GT350 signed by Carroll Shelby; a Shelby GT350 brake caliper business card holder signed by members of the Ford family; and an authentic Shelby poster signed by Bill Ford, Edsel Ford, Henry Ford III and Elena Ford. Additionally, a personalized helmet from Drew Brees will be signed by him in early June however the soon-to-be Shelby owner prefers it be signed. The winner will also receive a once-in-a-lifetime experience courtesy of a full-access VIP package to the IMSA Sports Car Grand Prix, featuring the Ford GT on July 8-10 at the Canadian Tire MotorSport Park and a driving school experience at the Atlanta Motorsports Park in Dawsonville, Ga. on July 14-15, 2016.

Giles said, "Late yesterday, an anonymous donor came through with a $5000 travel voucher to help the buyer get to these amazing locations. Additionally, we are working on a key chain signed by Henry Ford III, who is the head of Ford Racing, and last but not least, a tour of the Flat Rock Assembly Plant where the soon-to-be winner's Shelby GT350R had its first breath. These details will be finalized shortly in the coming days."

Giles added, "My family and I, along with NorthStar Ford employees, have been overwhelmed with the generous support we have received in our fundraising efforts for Fort McMurray at our Calgary and Cochrane locations from all over Canada and the United States. Someone is going to own this 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang and help so many who have been affected by the wildfires in Fort McMurray, and right now that high bidder is Mike and Lesley Stollery out of Barrie Ontario."

To date, NorthStar Ford Group employees and hundreds of donors and volunteers have gathered nine reefer trucks full of food and supplies for those affected in Fort McMurray. The 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang auction at NorthStar Ford is one more way the company is offering aide. The high bid as of May 25th is at $165 000 Canadian which will translate into $495,000 Canadian with government matching dollars. Also at this point a tax receipt will be donated by the Giles family when received to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank and the Fort McMurray Fire Fighters relief effort, which is going to be at a minimum of $82,500 at this point. These funds will be split 50/50 between the two organizations.

Full details on how to make a bid can be found on www.northstarford.ca or call (403) 239 -1115 and ask for the Shelby Auction details and we will connect you.

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For more information, please contact:

Marty Giles
mgiles@northstarfordlincoln.ca
780.715.5315

Valerie Jennings
valerie@jenningssocialmedia.com
816.221.1040