Carstar in St. Catharines donates 2010 Dodge Caravan to family in need

The grand re-opening of Carstar St. Catharines included a life changing moment for a Niagara region family of eight in need of a boost, when they were surprised with the keys to a fully-restored 2010 Dodge Caravan.

Jim and Maureen MacKenzie were one of 40 families that had submitted an application to Community Care, and were thrilled to learn they had been selected by Carstar as the winning family.

Carstar’s Regional Development Manager, Jeff Moriarty, handed over the keys to the ecstatic family, as the MacKenzie children honked the horn of their new ride.

“Giving back to local communities that our franchises serve is at the core of Carstar’s values,” Moriarty explained. “Carstar St. Catharines, and the commitment that owner Steve Sytchouk has made to support the Niagara community at his grand re-opening exemplifies Carstar’s community-minded spirit.”

In addition to the fully-restored vehicle, the $20,000 prize also included a lifetime warranty on repairs from Carstar Collision & Glass, a gift certificate for one-year of insurance from Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc., a $500 service and maintenance gift certificate from Hope & Harder / QMAX NAPA Auto and a $300 Canadian Tire gas card.

This life-changing gift for the MacKenzies was a result of strong community partnerships.

When approached by the Carstar team, Youngs Insurance Brokers jumped at the opportunity to support a local family.

“We recognize that people in our own community can benefit from businesses coming together to help. Youngs Insurance is committed to helping families in need and we wish the MacKenzie family safe travels in their new vehicle,” said Marie Fucile, VP personal lines, Youngs Insurance.

The Mackenzie family welcomed a new baby earlier this week and their new vehicle will create a world of change in their daily routine.

“We’re so thankful to the teams at Community Care and Carstar. Winning this vehicle means we are able to take a road trip this summer to visit family on the East Coast whom we haven’t seen in years. We’ve just never had the means to do so until now,” Jim MacKenzie explained.

Community Care assists an average of 1,850 households per month in St. Catharines and Thorold, with over 4,000 pounds of food distributed daily. The not-for-profit organization has been serving local families in need since 1919 and has seen the number of families using their services rise in recent years.

“At Community Care, we encourage our families to become self-sufficient one step at a time,” Betty-Lou Souter, Community Care CEO explained. “What Carstar and its business partners have done for the Mackenzie family goes way beyond one step; they’ve provided a staircase toward independence.”

Carstar Collision & Glass Centres remains dedicated to supporting local communities through admirable charitable organizations, such as Community Care. Sam Mercanti, president and C.E.O of Carstar, was on-site at Thursday’s celebration to recognize Carstar St. Catharines franchise owner, Steve Sytchouk, and Moriarty, for forging partnerships to make a difference in the lives of six young children and two deserving parents.

Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor was also on site to offer his congratulations, along with local celebrity Garry Robbins and members of the Niagara Fire Service.