This is ‘Punch’ our 1974 Baja Bug.  He is the official car of the Punch Buggy 4 SickKids charity.Punch’s story began several years ago when Mitch & Jeannette Petty’s young daughter received treatment at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.  They were treated very well by the network of Doctors and Nurses at the hospital during this anxious time and they both made a promise to do whatever they could to ‘Give Back’.  This is why they started their charity called “Punch Buggy 4 SickKids”.Punch Buggy 4 SickKids is a ‘Feel Good’ charity that taps into the enthusiasm and generosity of the people who love the Volkswagen Beetle to raise money for Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children – SickKids!  Mitch and Jeannette dedicated their 1974 Baja Bug to the cause.  This is how Punch became the ‘Mascot’ and ‘official car’ of Punch Buggy 4 SickKids!Each year Mitch & Jeannette invite Volkswagen Beetle owners from all over Ontario bring their Bugs into Toronto to raise money and show their support for SickKids.  We call this gathering the Toronto Volkswagen Beetle Invasion!   In the days before the event Mitch & Jeannette take their 1974 Baja to the streets of Toronto for 40hrs of “endurance” driving to promote their event, take pledges and raise money and awareness for their charity!

Thanks to the support and generosity of our sponsors and the Beetle Community we have been able to raise over $30,000! During the winter of 2008, Punch underwent a major overhaul at German Supply here in Toronto.  The restoration was a typical story (it seems).  The car had a sorted past with layer upon layer of Bondo, rust and poorly applied paint.  Scott and Andre patiently peeled off each layer, then re-shaped, and painted!  The results are fantastic!  Those guys are real professionals! Scott and Andre did a great job – I would recommend them to anyone! Please keep an eye out for Punch at the shows here in Ontario!  And more importantly, keep an eye out for next year’s Toronto Beetle Invasion!  I hope you can make it! Thank you for all for your support!  We would not succeed without the continuing support if the Beetle community!

A Punch Buggy Poem:

Punch Buggy is a game that kids used to play
When you saw an old beetle you’d shout out and say

“Punch Buggy” Yellow!  No punch backs!
And turn to your friend and give ‘em a few whacks!

Well…

Back in the day, there were Punch Buggies galore
And after just a short drive your arm would be sore!

The fun and excitement were hard to contain!
But now… only a few Punch Buggies remain,

This poem is dedicated to those who still drive
And work so hard to keep the Punch Buggies alive!

The Bugs are still out there, so keep a sharp eye
And you might even see a Punch Buggy go by!

Mitch Petty