CYSTIC FIBROSIS CANADA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH CARSTAR
CARSTAR has donated $5 million to both Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
TORONTO - July 27, 2023 – 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/
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting 4,300 Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past five years, half were the age of 37. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, degenerative multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. In addition to the physical effects of the disease, mental health concerns are emerging; anxiety and depression are common among this population. Double lung transplants are the final option for patients with end-stage disease; most fatalities of people with CF are due to lung disease.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada has dramatically changed the cystic fibrosis story. We have advanced research and care that has more than doubled life expectancy. Since being founded by parents in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has grown into a leading organization with a central role engaging people living with cystic fibrosis, parents and caregivers, volunteers, researchers and healthcare professionals, government and donors. We work together to change lives for the more than 4,300 Canadian children and adults living with cystic fibrosis through treatments, research, information and support. Despite our remarkable progress together, we are not yet done. We will keep pushing, keep going further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience – and enjoy - everything life has to offer. Learn more at www.cysticfibrosis.ca
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Young, Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 905-317-5529
Email: nyoung@cysticfibrosis.ca
