Congratulations to Chris Huszar from Winnipeg, MB! Winner of Greg’s Nissan Cube.

Win Greg’s Car: The Story

In May 2009, I (Greg) won one of the coolest prizes one could hope for — a brand new car. After writing a few funny songs about cars and filming a few cheesy videos to accompany said songs, and after much voting support from my fans, the judges deliberated and chose me as “one of Canada’s 50 most unique and talented individuals.” I was officially the owner of a brand new, Nissan Cube. The deal was that the car was mine. The only stipulation was I had to keep it for a year — I couldn’t sell it or give it away until then.

Around that same time, I was about to release my sophomore album independently, “Love & the Lack Thereof”. Being an independent artist basically means that all the money that goes into making a record… and promoting it… comes out of your pocket. So here I was with a new album in my hands and a $20,000 car in my driveway, wondering how am I supposed to promote this album on my own? A good friend of mine summed it up in one sentence — “You’ve got to give your car away”. I knew he was onto something. I had a new album on my hands that needed to get out there and I couldn’t do it on my own.

And so began the Win Greg’s Car contest. I asked my fans to help me spread the word about my new album… and in return they could have the chance to win my car. The winner would not only receive my car, but I would personally deliver it — anywhere in Canada or the US — and play a concert in their living room. Over the next few months thousands of entries came in from around the world. From 13 year olds to 89 year olds, the entries were so diverse. Some entered just once. Some didn’t miss a single chance to get a ballot in.

Greg with Lorraine and Tamara from 100.5 The PEAK on draw day

In October 2010 it was finally time to draw a name and announce the winner. I’ll admit, by this time I was a little sad knowing my time with “Rubi” was coming to an end (her full name is Rubix Cube — I know. Clever).

But the time came to bite the bullet and draw a name. With the help of my friends, Tamara Stanners and Lorraine (in accounting) at 100.5 The PEAK in Vancouver, we drew the name live on air and announced the winner, none other than Chris Huszar of Winnipeg, Manitoba (can you get any further from Hawaii? Nope. They have polar bears in Manitoba). Chris had a whopping 75 ballots in the draw (even though the draw was random, this just means he worked real hard to get them). He was also one of the original fans who voted daily for me to win the car (before he even knew I would eventually win it and re-gift it to him!). On top of all that, Chris didn’t own a car and turned out to be one of the nicest guys I could ever hope to entrust my awesome ride to.

So that’s the Cole’s Notes version of the story of the time I gave away a car. A huge thanks to all who entered and worked so hard to earn ballots in the draw, while helping me promote the new album. It was a blast. I only wish that I could give away cars more often. : ) Who knows? Maybe one day.

Hugs & High Fives,

Greg