Local collision repair facilities, CARSTAR Red Deer and CARSTAR Red Deer South, recently donated $5,000 to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and Red Deer Food Bank for their Stuff-a-Bus Campaign, raising their total contributions to the organizations over $40,000 since 2003.

This year, CARSTAR Red Deer and CARSTAR Red Deer South donated $5,000 to support those in the Red Deer community. CARSTAR Red Deer and CARSTAR Red Deer South increased their annual donation this year to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of supporting the organizations. Additionally, inflation costs across Alberta have left many families in dire need of food and supplies this year.

“I have worked at CARSTAR since 2003 and we have donated to the Christmas Bureau and Food Bank every year since I started,” said James More, Journeyman Body Technician. “When these annual donations are made, it’s nice to know that the work we do helps to make a positive difference in the community to those who are less fortunate.”

Helping children and families

The Red Deer Christmas Bureau is a non-profit organization established over 60 years ago to help children and families in need at Christmas. Their community initiatives, like the Stuff-a-Bus campaign, aim to provide families with a full Christmas meal and for the parents to be able to give their children gifts of toys.

The Red Deer Food Bank, established in 1984, provides emergency food requirements for those in need for Red Deer and the surrounding areas.

“Our shop owner always lets us know that giving back to the community isn’t possible without the work we do,” said Jorge Moreno, Journeyman Refinish Technician. “I’m proud to be part of the team and a company that does go the extra effort to give back and help out those in need, especially during the holiday season!”

The generous donation from CARSTAR Red Deer and CARSTAR Red Deer South has inspired a larger movement for CARSTAR Canada across the country. CARSTAR is rolling out a national campaign, CARSTAR’s Drive to Donate, encouraging owners from across the country to donate to their local food banks. The CARSTAR Red Deer and Red Deer South teams will be the first of many to help out in their local market.