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Glen-Merritt Brings An Early Christmas to One Family |
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Written by Lori Harito
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Wednesday, 10 January 2007 |
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Santa Claus made a quick stop over at Glen-Merritt Collision on Thursday Dec.14. The staff of the facility took a slightly damaged car, refurbished it, reconditioned it and made it look like new.
Santa Claus made a quick stop over at Glen-Merritt Collision on Thursday Dec.14. The staff of the facility took a slightly damaged car, refurbished it, reconditioned it and made it look like new. They then donated the car to Brenda, a single mother of two teenagers who has experienced living in a women’s shelter. Julio Bruno is the owner of Glen-Merritt Collision. He says he got the idea at a business meeting several years ago after finding out that this was being done in the states. “What a great idea to bring this to our community,” says Julio. The nominations are supplied by the Women’s Place of St. Catharine’s, and selected by an independent, community panel. “We chose Women’s Place because they help women and children going through a rough time so they can get on with their lives.” The first year the event was held, it received overwhelming support from the community, parts and material suppliers, employees, customers and friends. Thanks to this level of support the event is now in its third year, and shows no signs of stopping. Brenda received a 2005 Cavalier, fully insured, with $700 worth of gas coupons, and CAA membership for a year. She also received a car-full of Christmas gifts, such as hairdressing services for the family, gift certificates and toys. But this isn’t just a “giveaway car,” it goes to someone who will benefit from it by changing their lives. All leftover money, and donations are stored into a transportation fund, which is given out during the year. Julio says last year the fund helped 10 families with their transportation needs throughout the year, such as getting to and from college, and repairing and fixing their car.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 December 2007 )
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