Maaco, North America’s body shop and a leader in the $38 billion automotive paint and collision industry, celebrates Maaco Airdrie’s role in local Make-A-Wish foundation recipient’s wish being fulfilled.

Maaco Airdrie was approached by the Make-A-Wish foundation on behalf of Airdrie 17-year-old, Emma Jensen, who has been battling a rare form of cancer since 2020. She has been out of treatment for the past three months and initially wanted a trip for her wish.

“A trip happens once and then it’s done,” said Emma Jensen. “You don’t get any use of it. Sure, it’s fun at the moment, but it doesn’t actually last. I was trying to figure out something that would last me for years and be something that I can use.”

Jensen shared that she bought a 1996 Dodge Ram two years ago because she is passionate about horseback riding. The truck would be able to haul her horse, Sully; however, it was in dire need of a tune-up. To help grant Emma’s wish, Peter Flannigan, owner of Maaco Airdrie, and team completed the repair and paint jobs necessary for Jensen’s truck.

Rewarding experience

“We had a fair amount of work to do to it to clean it up, but it was a rewarding experience,” said Peter Flannigan, Owner, Maaco Airdrie. “This was truly an industry effort as other local businesses contributed to the project to help go above and beyond Emma’s expectations.”

Airdrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Airdrie Truck Accessories, Keystone Automotive – Calgary, Tires On The Run, SW Automotive/Sherwin Williams, Fusion Auto & Glass, Classic Auto Graphics, and New Creations provided the parts and materials needed to complete this transformation in about half of the budget. When Jenson returned to the Maaco shop to pick up her vehicle, she was ‘over the moon’ to see the completed project.

“We were honoured to have the opportunity to help Emma with her wish,” said Flannigan. “Airdrie is a close-knit community, and we are always looking for ways to give back when we can. We can’t wait to see her hauling Sully on our Airdrie roads, in the new and improved truck.”