CAA Niagara Announces 11th and 12th Recipients of Community Boost Funding Program

THOROLD, ON (June 20, 204) — CAA Niagara is proud to announce the latest recipients of its Community Boost funding program, The Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services (FACS Niagara Foundation) and the Toolbox Project.

The Community Boost funding program, initiated by CAA Niagara in 2019, aims to provide support to local non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life for residents. Each year, two organizations are chosen by a company-wide employee vote to receive a $10,000 donation, volunteer support from CAA Niagara employees, marketing and fundraising assistance, and prominent branding on two new CAA Niagara tow trucks.

"We are honoured to recognize The Toolbox Project and FACS Niagara Foundation as the latest recipients of our Community Boost program” said Peter Van Hezewyk, President and CEO at CAA Niagara. “Both organizations demonstrate an unwavering dedication to supporting and empowering Niagara’s most vulnerable, which deeply aligns with CAA Niagara's core values. We are proud to support their efforts and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in our community."

"Thank you, CAA Niagara, for this wonderful donation that will help FACS build a new treatment home for children in care with complex needs” said Rhianon Burkholder, Vice President of the FACS Niagara Foundation Board of Trustees. “Community builders like CAA Niagara allow us to provide our community’s most vulnerable children with positive childhood memories and the supports they need to become resilient, successful adults."

“When we first started seven years ago, we [the Toolbox Project] weren’t sure if we would be able to do 25 care packages” said James Symons, Founder at Toolbox Project. "Each year we have grown and grown and last year we delivered our 6,000th package. Thanks to the CAA Niagara Community Boost we know we’ll be able to do even more in our community this year.”

Now in its sixth year, the Community Boost initiative underscores CAA Niagara's commitment to fostering community well-being and supporting organizations that make a difference in our region. Previous recipients include: Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara, Wellspring Niagara, Heartland Forest, Pathstone Mental Health Foundation, Gillian's Place, Hospice Niagara, Food4Kids Niagara, FORT Youth Centre, Distress Centre Niagara, and the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre.

CAA Niagara would like to thank all the charitable organizations that submitted applications for the Community Boost program this year and encourages eligible candidates to apply again next year.

To learn more about CAA Niagara’s commitment to the community, visit caaniagara.ca/drivingchange

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rhiannon Fleming
Communications Specialist
CAA Niagara
media@caaniagara.ca

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PHOTO CREDIT
Photos courtesy of CAA Niagara

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ABOUT CAA NIAGARA

Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club with just 16 members, CAA Niagara has grown to more than 150,000 Members with five Niagara locations; St. Catharines (Pen Centre), Niagara Falls, Welland (Seaway Mall), Thorold (administrative office) and Grimsby. A not-for-profit membership organization, CAA Niagara, provides emergency road services, travel, insurance and Member rewards.

ABOUT THE NIAGARA FOUNDATION FOR FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES

The Niagara Foundation for Family & Children’s Services works to raise funds and awareness in the community to support Family & Children’s Services Niagara (FACS Niagara) in their mission to protect, support and strengthen the wellbeing of children, youth and families.

For over 25 years, the FACS Niagara Foundation has worked with generous members of our community to raise funds that provide vulnerable children and youth with positive childhood memories and support to become resilient, successful adults. Every year, donors provide summer camp experiences for children served by FACS, postsecondary grants for youth who are currently or were formerly in care, life-skills training for young people preparing to live independently, Home for the Holidays events providing a place for youth in care to celebrate the holidays with their peers and workers, and facility upgrades to ensure welcoming spaces for families and children.

ABOUT THE TOOLBOX PROJECT

The Toolbox Project has emerged as a vital resource for Niagara's unhoused population. By providing essential care packages, The Toolbox Project offers much-needed relief and comfort to those facing challenging times. Their mission has seen incredible growth, transforming into a lifeline for many in the community.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (CAA)

CAA is a federation of eight Clubs providing 7 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, Member savings and comprehensive insurance services. CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its Members and all Canadians, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection.