CAA Niagara Announces 2025 Community Boost Recipients: Habitat for Humanity Niagara and Autism Ontario – South Region

THOROLD, ON (June 24, 2025) — CAA Niagara is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of its annual Community Boost program: Habitat for Humanity Niagara and Autism Ontario – South Region.

Created in 2019, Community Boost is more than a donation—it’s a partnership that provides $10,000 in funding, volunteer support from CAA Niagara staff, marketing assistance, and even a spot on two CAA Niagara tow trucks that travel across the region. Each year, the organizations are selected through an internal vote by CAA Niagara employees.

“CAA Niagara’s Community Boost is about lifting up the organizations who are lifting up Niagara,” said Marrianne Wilson, President and CEO of CAA Niagara. “Habitat for Humanity Niagara and Autism Ontario – South Region exemplify the compassion, collaboration, and impact we aim to support through this initiative. Both organizations work tirelessly to build stronger, more inclusive communities, and we’re honoured to help them continue that work.”

“We are incredibly grateful to be selected as a recipient of CAA Niagara’s 2025 Community Boost,” said Sarah Pritula, Philanthropy and Major Gifts Director of Habitat for Humanity Niagara. “This generous support goes far beyond a financial donation as it’s a true partnership that will help us continue building safe, decent and affordable homes for families across Niagara. We’re thankful for CAA Niagara’s commitment to strengthening our community and proud to be recognized alongside Autism Ontario – South Region.”

“I can’t help but notice the connection between the work that both CAA and Autism Ontario do, and that is to bring the right tools to people in times of concern or worry, or to help them be confidently on their way to all the possibilities that lie ahead. Knowing that both our messages are being spread on CAA’s vehicles to thousands of people on the road is a huge honour. We are in good company and so grateful for CAA’s very generous support in making autism matter in Ontario,” said Marg Spolestra, CEO of Autism Ontario.

Previous recipients include: FACS Foundation Niagara, Toolbox Project, 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 extends heartfelt thanks to all the organizations that applied in 2025 and encourages eligible charities to apply again next year.

To learn more about Community Boost and CAA Niagara’s community efforts, visit caaniagara.ca/drivingchange.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rhiannon Fleming
Communications Specialist
CAA Niagara
media@caaniagara.ca

Download a print-friendly version of this news release. (PDF)

PHOTO & VIDEO ASSETS
Photos courtesy of CAA Niagara

IMAGE 1: "Habitat for Humanity - CAA Niagara Cheque" - Download Hi-Res version (JPG - 4.49Mgs)

IMAGE 2: "Autism Ontario - South Region - CAA Niagara Cheque" - Download Hi-Res version (JPG - 5.31Mgs)

IMAGE 3: "Autism Ontario - South Region - Truck Unveiling" - Download Hi-Res version (JPG - 464Kbs)

IMAGE 4: "Habitat for Humanity - Truck Unveiling" - Download Hi-Res version (JPG - 636Kbs)

IMAGE 5: "Community Boost Recipients - Truck Unveiling" - Download Hi-Res version (JPG - 878Kbs)

To access downloadable files through Dropbox, CLICK HERE.

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ABOUT CAA NIAGARA

Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club, CAA Niagara is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to serving the Niagara Region. With over a century of experience, we provide trusted emergency roadside assistance, comprehensive insurance, travel services and Member-exclusive discounts and rewards.

CAA Niagara is also proud to operate AAPEX Driving Academy, helping drivers hit the road with confidence, and Niagara Airbus, offering stress-free transportation solutions.

Driven by a commitment to safety, value, and community impact, CAA Niagara champions initiatives that enhance the quality of life for our Members and the broader community. With a focus on innovation and member engagement, we strive to provide peace of mind and exceptional service, empowering our Members to enjoy life's journey to the fullest.

Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

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

About Autism Ontario - South Region

Autism Ontario is a charitable organization with a history of over 50 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario. Made up of knowledgeable parents, professionals, and autistic self-advocates who can speak to the key issues that impact autistic individuals and their families, Autism Ontario is the province’s leading source of information and referral on autism, and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. The work we do helps all autistic individuals and families in their communities have access to meaningful supports, information, and connections so they are equitably and seamlessly supported across their life course.

About Habitat for Humanity Niagara

Habitat for Humanity Niagara is a non-profit organization that brings our community together to help families build strength, stability and independence through safe and affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, Habitat Niagara builds decent and affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for people to build better, healthier lives. Established locally in 1993, Habitat Niagara has constructed 79 homes in Niagara, serving 86 families and creating stable and secure housing for more than 288 children.

Habitat for Humanity Niagara proudly owns and operates three local ReStores in Fonthill, Grimsby and St. Catharines. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a social enterprise retailer that accepts and resells donations of new and used furniture, appliances, décor, home improvement items and building materials. All proceeds from operations fund Habitat for Humanity Niagara and help build homes in the community for those in need of a safe place to call home. The first Habitat for Humanity ReStore began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to support Habitat’s mission. Built by Canadians. Building for Canadians.

For more information, please visit www.habitatniagara.ca.