As people with underlying conditions continue to be a vulnerable patient group during this COVID-19 outbreak, a group of collision repairers in British Columbia decided to give $7,300 to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

“Although the COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in recent months, now more than ever, we realize the lengths those living with cystic fibrosis must go through every day to keep their immune system and lungs healthy,” says Carl Jamieson, president, CARSTAR Quality Assured Group.

“We hope our financial support helps those living with CF get one step closer to a cure, so we can help change the meaning of CF to cure found.”

CARSTAR, North America’s choice for premier collision repairs, began fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Canada over 20 years ago when a franchisee’s granddaughter was diagnosed with the disease.

To date, the organization has raised over $4 million for cystic fibrosis (CF) research, care and advocacy, due to the outpouring amount of generosity from its franchisee network.

“We are so incredibly proud of our partnership with CARSTAR here in British Columbia,” says Sandra Niven, Associate Fund Development, BC and Yukon.

“The funds donated by CARSTAR Quality Assured will directly benefit the children and adults that attend our CF clinics in Vancouver and Victoria in addition to support our advocacy and research initiatives.

Our CF community is resilient, but this has been a very trying time for them.  Donations from businesses like CARSTAR are a reminder to our CF community that they are isolated but not alone and we truly appreciate that.”

Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease with no cure. CF causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs.

A defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs leading to infections, extensive lung damage, and eventually, respiratory failure.