Brandon Thomas would be 21 right now.

Blue balloons filled the skies above Lot 10 of the University of Calgary on Aug. 27 at the somber finale of an event held in his honour to spread the message of refraining from alcohol and drugs while driving. Hope is shared by Kim Thomas and her daughter Kayla that it's taken to heart because their's remain torn from the loss of Brandon.

Despite being a painful day for Kim, she, her family, the organizers and numerous volunteers remain dedicated to the message and advocating for stronger penalties for impaired drivers, particularly those who leave a wake of death.

A combination of good weather and promotion helped to attract an estimated 720 vehicles to the fourth edition of Show Your Ride for Brandon, making it the largest yet. As anticipated, over 5,000 people streamed through the show and many new features were added, like more children's events, and the tried and true were refined.

"The weather is gorgeous," says Thomas. "Everyone here is amazing. It's heart warming; it's heart breaking."

Thomas continues to be gratify for the volunteers and sponsors of the event.

"I think I went from the back to the front of the lot about 4,000 times and I don't think I accomplished anything, so I know the team and volunteers were working hard today. The sponsors add so much to the event; we couldn't do it without them."

If she had it her way, this event wouldn't even be necessary, but on Dec. 6, 2012 her son was killed by a impaired driver on Hwy. 22 on his way home from work.

"It should not have happened. This event and these people... when we went through the court system it was very clear the victims and the families don't matter as far as the courts are concerned. Families matters and message matters here and we hope that we are saving lives."

"I wish I didn't have to do this for Brandon, I wish we didn't have to do this at all."

Several causes are supported by Show Your Ride for Brandon. It anchors a foundation that provides annual scholarships at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as well as providing an annual Cochrane High scholarship and supporting a victims fund. MADD Canada is also being supported this year.

It's too soon for a final tally.