25 Years of Carstar Partnership

Last week at CARSTAR’s annual Evolution Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the collision and glass service organization celebrated the milestone of 25 years of partnership. At this year's conference, CARSTAR raised an incredible $50,000 in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.  

Originally beginning as an act of kindness 25 years ago, the partnership began when a CARSTAR franchise owner’s granddaughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Since then, CARSTAR has been a continuous supporter and donor of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. 

 “Over the past 25 years, life for a person with cystic fibrosis in Canada has changed dramatically. Looking back, in 1998, there were more children living with this disease than adults,” said Kelly Grover, President and CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “Today, thanks to the investments in research, healthcare and advocacy, made possible through generous contributions from donors and partners such as CARSTAR, life expectancy for a Canadian born with CF has nearly doubled.” 

CARSTAR’s commitment to seeing brighter futures for Canadians with cystic fibrosis has helped make change possible. Annually, the company participates in Shine season fundraisers led by franchise owners, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History and drives fundraising through both the regional and national conferences--with donations from vendors, suppliers and partners totaling an incredible $5 million in contributions to both the Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the U.S. “Since 1997, when our partnership first began, CARSTAR franchise partners from across Canada, and most recently the U.S., strive to raise funds that will hopefully lead to a cure for Victoria and others just like her who are living with cystic fibrosis,” says Michael Macaluso, President, CARSTAR. 

At CARSTAR’s 2023 Evolution Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Kate White, Director, Leadership Giving and Corporate Partnerships at Cystic Fibrosis Canada presented the CARSTAR leadership team with a thank you letter for their continuous support. The 2023 conference featured a Dock Walk, raising over $10,000 for various charities, as well as a Prom Night themed Gala and additional fundraising initiatives overall raising, $186,000 to support three organizations, with $50,000 in contributions to CF Canada. 

“What began as us supporting our corporate charity because a franchise’s partner’s granddaughter was diagnosed with CF quickly evolved over the years. As we learned and understood the daily stresses for many of these families affected by this disease, our staff and ownership became even more motivated, to the point of us all fully supporting fundraising events for CF. A cure is possible, but they will need our continued support to make this a reality” - Esther Cantafio, Co-Owner, CARSTAR St. Albert – CARSTAR Edmonton East – CARSTAR Edmonton North. 

Those interested in supporting CARSTAR and its charitable contributions can learn more at: https://www.carstar.ca/en/charitable-foundation/