Shades of kindness: Rangeland Derby Rockstar Chanse Vigen's pink sunglasses raise money for families in need
The Rangeland Derby has its own version of the Pink Pony Club.
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Pink sunglasses are taking over the chuckwagon world — and for a very good cause.
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The I'm Your Huckleberry campaign, launched by Chanse and Brie Vigen, is a grassroots charity that supports families facing difficult times.
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'That winter, I thought — this is a great opportunity to create a non-profit,' Brie recalled. 'I didn't know exactly how at first, but I knew we could sell the sunglasses and raise money for something good.'
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The couple from Grande Prairie, Alta., quickly got to work — and didn't have to look far for a name.
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'When we started dating, Chanse would always say, 'I'm your Huckleberry,'' Brie said. 'It meant, 'I'm your man. I got you.' So, I thought, what a perfect name for the grant: I'm Your Huckleberry — we got you, when you don't have anybody else there to support you.'
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And just like that, the I'm Your Huckleberry charity was born.
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The campaign launched last year, and while it took some time to catch on, the chuckwagon community quickly rallied once they realized what it was all about.
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'It's been amazing,' Brie said. 'At first, I think people didn't fully understand what we were doing. Some thought we were just selling merch. But then, on Thanksgiving, we knocked on doors and delivered support directly to families — and when people saw that, everything changed.'
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So far, the charity has helped two families and plans to support two more this year — with hopes of expanding even further.
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