Staff at Mr. Lube + Tires work on current and former military member's vehicles. (Photo Courtesy Kevin Kyle)

By Gates Guarin

Free oil change for military members now in its seventh year

Nov 10, 2022 | 2:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Current and former members of the Canadian and British armed forces were able to receive a free oil change at Mr. Lube + Tires Thursday.

Shop owner Chris Hellman and his team have been providing the free oil changes for veterans for seven years, and says it is the least his business can do to honour those who have served the country.

“I thought it was just a great way to both honour, respect and remember the service of our military, both past and present and staff all want to work this day; they’re very proud to be part of this as am I of course, and we’re going to keep doing this as long as we can.”

Hellman says he holds the yearly event on the day before Remembrance Day, so as to not interfere with the ceremonies planned for Nov. 11. He adds a vehicle with any type of oil would be honoured.

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MP for Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner Glen Motz was also at the event, shaking hands and learning the stories of the veterans as they lined up on a cold day.

“It’s amazing, the people here love it,” Motz says. “They feel honoured that somebody honours what they’ve done for us, for our freedoms and so, it’s a small gesture, but it has a big impact.”

“It’s just one of those little things that means so much…” _{– Simon Parker, British army veteran}

Motz acknowledges the importance of the sacrifices of each member of the military in his work as a representative of the federal government.

“I wouldn’t be doing this had they not given the sacrifice, I’m sure. We wouldn’t have a democracy where we could have this. And so the fight that they put up, Second World War especially and all the other conflicts we’ve had since, I’m humbled every day.”

Several veterans were lined up to receive their free oil change. Simon Parker served with the British army for almost 24 years under the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, and William Macphail served from 1965 to 1968 as both a part of the Queen’s Royal Rifles, Second Battalion, and as a part of the Cyprus peacekeeping effort. Both men were grateful to take part in the gesture, saying any way to honour our military members goes a long way, and means a great deal.

“It’s just one of those little things that means so much, especially to a community,” Parker says. “Some of us have done more, some of us have done less, but it’s just a nice acknowledgement to come down here.”

“[It means] freedom. We’re lucky we live in Canada. We’re very fortunate.” adds Macphail.

Both Macphail and Motz say they will be in attendance during the city’s Remembrance Day services. A memorial service is planned at The Esplanade at 9:30, followed by the annual Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph in Riverside Veterans’ memorial park at 11.