Airdrie, Alberta — For shops like Maaco Airdrie, community engagement is always at the top of mind and having the opportunity to grant the wish of a local teenager battling cancer is something they could never pass up.
The collision repair facility was approached by the Make-A-Wish foundation on behalf of 17-year-old, Emma Jensen, who has been battling a rare form of cancer since 2020.
Jensen had been out of treatment for three months and was thinking about taking a trip, but wanted something permanent to remember it by.
“A trip happens once and then it’s done,” said Jensen.
“You don’t get any use of it. Sure, it’s fun at the moment, but it doesn’t actually last. I was trying to figure out something that would last me for years and be something that I can use.”
That’s where Maaco Airdrie stepped in. When Jensen shared that the truck she uses to haul her beloved horse Sully had seen better days, the team at the shop decided to give her 1996 Dodge Ram a tune-up and a fresh coat of paint.
“We had a fair amount of work to do to clean it up, but it was a rewarding experience,” said owner of Maaco Airdrie, Peter Flannigan.
“This was truly an industry effort as other local businesses contributed to the project to help go above and beyond Emma’s expectations.”
All told, the project was a collaboration between Airdrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Airdrie Truck Accessories, Keystone Automotive Calgary, Tires On The Run, SW Automotive/Sherwin Williams, Fusion Auto and Glass, Classic Auto Graphics and New Creations.
Maaco’s press release described Jensen as being “over the moon” when she saw her truck back in good shape.
“We were honoured to have the opportunity to help Emma with her wish,” said Flannigan.
“Airdrie is a close-knit community, and we are always looking for ways to give back when we can. We can’t wait to see her hauling Sully on our Airdrie roads, in the new and improved truck.”
