TOYOTA CANADA - Calgarian Sean Scardifield filled out a contest ballot last March while shopping at the Bass Pro Shops outlet in Rocky View, Alberta, believing that with so many entrants, he had almost no chance of winning.
But to his delight, almost a year later, he received a phone call that had him jumping for joy as he learned he'd won the contest's grand prize – a Bass Pro Shops $1,000 gift card; an unforgettable day of fishing with Dave Mercer, the renowned angler and host of the popular "Facts of Fishing" television program; and a new 2012 Highlander 4WD V6 with Sport Package (MSRP of $40,075).
Scardifield, a father of two who describes himself as an avid outdoorsman, will be putting his new Highlander to good use after he gets the keys for it on April 12. He described his current vehicle as "old, tired and ready to be replaced." And, as an independent auto mechanic by profession, he has an expert appreciation for what a great new crossover he now owns.
"I love the reliability of all Toyota vehicles and that definitely includes the Highlander," said Scardifield. "And I like how safe and secure Toyotas are. I'm especially happy to have the four-wheel drive, which helps a lot in a place like Calgary where we get so much ice and snow. I also like how the Highlander is a perfect fit with our lifestyle. We like to go fishing, camping and skiing and the Highlander has a lot of storage space. We'll just throw all our gear in there and we're ready to go."
Stephen Beatty, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc., said that whatever outdoor adventures Scardifield has in mind, his new Highlander will handle the ride with comfort and performance.
"The Toyota Highlander is the most accommodating mid-size crossover sport utility vehicle on the road today. Wherever Sean plans to take it, the Highlander will be up to the challenge," said Beatty. "It offers modern styling and convenience, class-leading safety, and exceptional versatility, power and efficiency."
The 2011 Bass Pro Shops contest ran from March 1 through December 31 last year. Visitors to Bass Pro Shops locations in Rocky View and Vaughan Mills, Ontario, entered in-store for a chance to win. The winner was selected in early 2012 via a random draw.