CARSTAR Collision and Glass Centres Achieve Their $2 Million Fundraising Milestone

CARSTAR’s Soaps It Up National Car Wash Fundraiser raised over $100,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada surpassing its goal of $2 million in funds donated.

Hamilton, ON – June 15, 2012 – CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres across North America participated in the ninth annual Soaps It Up National Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday, June 9, 2012. This year, CARSTAR reached their $2 million milestone in funds raised for Cystic Fibrosis Canada by raising $101,340.01 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada and local fundraising groups. There were over 70 events throughout Canada and over 40 events in the US, which raises funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation.   

“We are very thankful to have Franchise Partners across the country that understand the importance of giving back to the communities they service,” said Sam Mercanti, President and CEO of CARSTAR Automotive Canada. “This is an important milestone for CARSTAR and our Partners and we are committed to continuing to support this cause until a cure has been found.”

CARSTAR has been a proud supporter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada since learning that a granddaughter of a Franchise Partner had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Victoria Whitaker’s story inspired the Soaps It Up campaign. Victoria continues to live a positive and inspiring life in her home of Smithville, Ontario and has remained the inspiration behind each car washed and every dollar raised.

“We would also like to thank all of the CARSTAR employees and volunteers that share in the achievement of this goal,” adds Mercanti. “This isn’t the work of just a few individuals, hundreds of CARSTAR employees and local volunteers over the years have dedicated their time to support this milestone event, and we truly appreciate their support.”

In 2011, CARSTAR washed over 4,600 vehicles, to set the Guinness World Record for “World’s Largest Car Wash – Multiple Venues,” and this year, to mark their $2 million milestone, CARSTAR officially declared the dirty car an object of beauty, commissioning world-renowned “dirty car artist” Scott Wade to transform dirty cars into works of art at a single-day exhibit in Toronto. Working with the theme of “objects of beauty,” Wade created seven unique works of dirty car art, inspired by iconic images of beauty ranging from beautiful landscapes to beautiful architecture to beautiful talent (to see images from this event, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/carstarcanada).

About Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national health charity committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis, and to helping people and families affected by cystic fibrosis cope with their daily fight. As a global leader in CF research, the organization invests more dollars in life-saving cystic fibrosis research and care than any other non-government agency in Canada. Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and the only non-government organization in Canada investing in vital CF research and care. In 2012/2013, Cystic Fibrosis Canada will invest more than $7.5 million in innovative research and clinical care, including funding 51 research projects, six targeted programs and partnerships, and 47 fellows and students

About CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres

CARSTAR is the largest and fastest growing automotive repair franchise in North America, with over 400 locations. Founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1995, CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres has grown from eight to over 160 locations throughout 10 provinces. Within Canada, CARSTAR repairs approximately 100,000 vehicles per year, with exceptionally high customer experience ratings.  Through a variety of fundraising initiatives, CARSTAR, its franchisees, partners and employees have raised over $2 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. In 2012, CARSTAR was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. For more information, please visit: www.carstar.ca.