Car Wash for a Cure
By Angela Altass
The Canadian Carwash Association recently held the second annual Car Wash for a Cure, a Canada-wide initiative that encourages carwashes to fundraise over two days to benefit spinal cord research.
On April 5 and 6, carwashes participated in the event through a variety of activities including:
- Carwash owner/operators asking their customers to donate spare change;
- Donating a portion of sales over the two days;
- Inviting community leaders to participate and promote to their constituents;
- Creating a fun, interactive activity that engages customers in the fundraiser;
- Promoting carwash involvement via social media;
- Raising awareness of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization.
“The Canadian Carwash Association wanted to give back to a charity and we felt that this was in line with our industry because over 50 per cent of spinal cord injuries occur in vehicle collisions,” says Karen Smith, president of the Canadian Carwash Association and training and compliance manager at Valet Car Washes.
Smith says she hopes the event will continue to grow each year and the Canadian Carwash Association encourages its members and stakeholders to participate in this initiative to not only give back but to help contribute to a strong and resilient carwash industry.
“We are thankful for the great partnership and support of the Canadian Carwash Association,” says Barry Munro, chief development officer, Canadian Spinal Research Organization. “The more friends and partners the Canadian Spinal Research Organization has, the closer we will get to a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries.”
Munro says he is pleased with the generous support of the participating public and the Canadian Carwash Association members.
“We have learned from the past two years as to the best practices for this event, which makes us excited about expanding it next year,” says Munro. “A special thanks goes out to Karen and Valet Car Washes. Their leadership and support have brought hope to people suffering from paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries.”
Further information is available at www.canadiancarwash.ca.
