By CRM Staff
Toronto, Ontario — December 20, 2018 —Tis the season of giving and CSN shop owners across Canada have joined together to raise $175,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada to give children holiday miracles year-round.
“Our CSN shops have worked extremely hard leading up to the holidays to raise funds that will help children live their dreams through the Make-A-Wish organization. They’ve hosted fundraisers, raffles, auctions, car washes, and so much more. I’d like to thank all of them for their passion, commitment and going the extra mile to help kids experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Larry French, vice president of sales and marketing at CSN Collision Centres.
During CSN’s awards gala at their annual conference in Arizona, the co-founder of Make-A-Wish, Linda Pauling, spoke to the attendees. She told the touching story of her son Chris having his wish to become an Arizona state patroller for the day come true just three days prior to his passing back in 1980. It was this act of kindness that inspired her to establish Make-A-Wish.
CSN brand ambassador and renowned IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe is also a proud supporter of Make-A-Wish. He joined CSN as the emcee for the evening’s awards gala and spoke about his deep, personal connection with the charity. He proudly displayed hope beads that he wears every day, which were given to him by a very special girl from Make-A-Wish named Stephanie, who has become an inspiration to him.
The feeling of warmth and generosity at the gala after Linda and James spoke was palpable and CSN Conference attendees were inspired to jump into action by donating $90,000 that evening, bringing CSN’s grand total for 2018 to $175,000.
“It’s incredible to see people come together across a country to make a difference in the lives of our wish kids. We are grateful for CSN’s strong belief in our mission and in the power of a wish,” said Alyson Geary, associate director, National Corporate Alliances at Make-A-Wish Canada.
Special acknowledgement to the top individual donors include:
- Steven Dupont from CSN Lou’s
- Scott Dance from CSN Hunt Club
- CSN directors: Lorenzo D’Alessandro (CSN 427) , Julio Bruno (CSN Glen Merritt), Nick DiLuca (CSN Cars) and Rob Pavan (CSN Golden Triangle)
