Hamilton, Ontario — September 24, 2014 — Just months after taking ownership of CARSTAR Midtown Hamilton on Ferguson Avenue South in Hamilton, Rick and Wendy Yates have made another important investment, this time in their community.
“When we first took ownership of this location, we knew that to bring the business back up to its best would take a big investment,” says Rick. “As time went on and we met more people in the neighbourhood, we realized that making an investment in our new community may be just as important as the business. Quite simply, we want to help support the community that is going to support us. Inasmuch as downtown Hamilton is on the upswing, we’ve recognized an opportunity right here in our neighbourhood to help those who may be less fortunate or living with a variety of challenges.”
After being put in touch with the Good Shepherd in Hamilton, Rick and Wendy decided to help out as they know best – by repairing a damaged vehicle and donating it to this worthy cause. CARSTAR Midtown Hamilton will donate a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, which was given to the Yates family by LKQ Auto Parts in partnership with A-1 Auto Parts. The van will be handed over to Good Shepherd at CARSTAR Midtown Hamilton’s grand re-opening on Thursday September 24 at noon.
This donation hit home for the Yates family when they learned that Good Shepherd had provided assistance in the past to one of their own CARSTAR team members.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to give back to the organization that helped our family many years ago,” says Michael Giglione, a collision technician at CARSTAR Midtown, who along with his colleagues has donated time to repair the vehicle. “Good Shepherd serves so many and I hope this van can help many more families. I have my own family now and it is so important to help the community that you live in.”
The van will be used by Good Shepherd’s Staying Home, an innovative program that provides early intervention for women, children and families at imminent risk of homelessness. CARSTAR’s gift will allow Staying Home staff to drive clients comfortably to and from appointments, as well as assist in moving them into stable housing.
“We could not do our important work without the support of individuals and businesses in Hamilton,” says Brother Richard MacPhee, Executive Director of Good Shepherd. “We are extremely grateful for the compassion shown by the Yates family at CARSTAR Midtown Hamilton. They exemplify the kindness and generosity that is ingrained in our city’s corporate community.”
Good Shepherd is the largest provider of human and social services in the Greater Hamilton Area. The organization’s programs and services are delivered free of charge and without judgment to anyone in need. Good Shepherd’s work is based on a commitment to restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable members of our community. Its continuum of services includes emergency food and clothing services; emergency shelter for men, youth, women and children, and families; mental health crisis support; transitional and supportive housing programs; and hospice palliative care.
The vehicle was presented to Good Shepherd at a special event held at CARSTAR Midtown. During the event, both Rick and Wendy took the time to point out that every single member of the business had given of their time to bring the project to fruition. In addition, they thanked the many suppliers that helped to make the refurbishment project possible.
For more information, please visit carstar.ca.
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