Donations

Don Valley VW Partakes in Movember Initiative, Raises Over $2,200 for Men's Health

Don Valley Volkswagen has participated in this year's Movember campaign, and has raised over $2,200 for men's health.

The initiative saw all team members grow moustaches for the month of November in support of the Movember Foundation. They also participated in multiple fundraising marathons, and clocked over 300 kilometres in walks and runs. The team also dressed up a brand new Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline 2.0T in custom decals to show their support for the Movember Foundation.

Don Valley Volkswagen General Manager Pieter van der Griend said he was very proud of his team's efforts to support the Movember initiative. "The Movember Foundation helps save and improve the lives of men through various projects. It supports research into different cancers, and also funds programs dedicated to improving mental health and preventing suicides. We are therefore very proud to have raised funds for the Movember Foundation," said Pieter.

Don Valley Volkswagen's participation in the 2017 Movember campaign is a part of Performance Auto Group's 'Drive Change' initiative, which ensures that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Performance BMW Raises Over $1,300 for Kristen French CACN through Drive For The Future event

Performance BMW has raised $1,380 for the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara (CACN) by holding an exclusive Drive For The Future event.

The fundraiser was held on June 8, 2017, and allowed people to experience the different trim levels of the all-new 5-Series sedan and to test drive BMW's exciting new lineup. For every test drive, Performance BMW made a $20 donation to Kristen French CACN.

A total of 83 people registered for the event and participated in 69 test drives. Guests also enjoyed exploring BMW vehicles via the large-screen interactive displays installed at the dealership, and also lined up to experience the store's new virtual reality system. They also received an exclusive $2,000 off a new BMW for their participation in the event.

The Kristen French CACN was the first stand-alone child advocacy centre to open in Canada in 2008, and provides all of Niagara's 12 municipalities with child-focused trauma support.

Performance BMW's organization of the Drive For The Future event is a part of Performance Auto Group's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Glenleven Chrysler Sponsors MS Walk, Helps Raise Over $70,500

Glenleven Chrysler has participated in the 2017 MS Walk as a sole automotive sponsor, and has helped the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada raise over $70,500 via the event.

The walk was held in the city of Oakville, and saw participation from over 175 people divided into 26 different teams. Glenleven Chrysler made a direct donation to the MS Society to support the initiative, and also set up Performance Auto Group's event tent as a checkpoint for the walkers. They distributed free water bottles, snacks and fruit to participants throughout the day, and also handed over $500 Glenleven Chrysler gift cards to all walkers.

The dealership's team also set up a vehicle display at the walk, and showcased a brand new 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 Crew Cab equipped with a 5.7L HEMI V8. The truck was wrapped in custom graphics showcasing Performance Auto Group's commitment to the community, and attracted a lot of public attention throughout the event.

The dealership also donated the use of a brand new 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland as the walk's official Weary Walker vehicle. The SUV was also wrapped in custom graphics showcasing the group's commitment to the community, and was used throughout the day to pick up and drop off participants who couldn't walk due to health concerns.

Glenleven Chrysler General Manager Chris Fotevski said he is very proud to support the MS Walk, as the funds raised from it contribute directly to improving people's health. "Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world, which is why it is very important to support initiatives that help improve the lives of people affected by it. The funds we have helped raise at this year's walk will go directly towards financing world-leading MS research, which is why we are very proud of our sponsorship," said Chris.

Glenleven Chrysler's sponsorship of the 2017 MS Walk is a part of Performance Auto Group's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Brantford Toyota Attends Playground Opening Ceremony at Jean Vanier Catholic Elementary School

Brantford Toyota has attended a special opening ceremony of a kindergarten playground partially funded by Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds at the city's Jean Vanier Catholic Elementary School.

The event was held on April 19, 2017 inside the school's library, and was attended in-person by Brantford Toyota General Manager Ben Cliff. Students and teachers held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the playground, and thanked Toyota Canada and Brantford Toyota for contributing towards the project's completion.

Ben was invited to the ceremony after he presented $1,100 to Jean Vanier School Principal Terry Dunnigan on behalf of Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds last year. "Brantford Toyota has been involved with Evergreen since February 2014, and had the honour of handing over $1,100 to Jean Vanier School last year to build a playground for kindergarten children. Previously, we have also presented a $1,000 cheque to St. George German School through the program. Our association with Evergreen is part of our commitment to support local communities, and we are very proud to have contributed to Brantford for over 51 years," said Ben.

The Learning Grounds program is a joint venture between Evergreen and Toyota Canada Inc., and has been helping schools transform their grounds into greener learning environments since 2000. To date, Toyota and its dealers have contributed more than $6 million to the program, and have helped over 3,000 schools provide outdoor learning opportunities to over 1.4 million students.

The program also provides a host of resources to educational institutions to help them maintain their grounds, including comprehensive guidebooks, instructional videos, and research reports. Funds awarded to institutions range from $500 to $3,500, with the program matching schools with local Toyota dealerships for participation in various planting events.

Brantford Toyota's participation in the Evergreen program is a part of Performance Auto Group's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Classic Honda Provides Brand New Honda Fit to Peel Police for Special Olympics

Classic Honda has donated a brand new 2017 Honda Fit to Peel Regional Police for use during the 2017 Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games.

The car will be driven by Peel Police Staff Sergeant and Games Manager Debbie Pendlebury, and will help advertise and promote the games across the Region of Peel. Sergeant Pendlebury will drive the vehicle to visit venues, community partners, sponsors, community groups, and the Athlete's Village until the end of July.

The Fit has been wrapped in custom graphics to showcase the partnership between Classic Honda and Peel Regional Police, and is bright yellow in colour to help it stand out on the road. It is a top-of-the-line EX model equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a one-touch power moonroof, integrated fog lights, and the Honda LaneWatch blind spot display system.

Classic Honda General Manager Simon Aria said he is very proud of his dealership's partnership with Peel Regional Police, and hopes that the donation will be the start of a long-lasting association. "The provision of the Honda Fit to Peel Police is not just a one-off donation. Rather, it signifies the beginning of a relationship with our regional police force. Classic Honda is very proud of this union, and hopes to provide long-term support to Peel Regional Police", said Simon.

The Games are being held in the Peel Region from July 13 to 16, and will feature athletics, soccer, softball, golf and bocce. Brampton will host athletics, bocce, the opening/closing ceremonies and the athlete's victory party, whereas Mississauga will host soccer and softball and Caledon will host golf.

Classic Honda's donation of the 2017 Honda Fit to Peel Regional Police is a part of Performance Auto Group's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Performance Auto Group Donates New Kia Sorento to Brampton Meals On Wheels

Performance Auto Group has donated a brand new 2017 Kia Sorento to Brampton Meals On Wheels (BMOW) to help the charity distribute food to people in need throughout the city.

The Sorento was presented to BMOW President Amanda Blaber at a special Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon organised by BMOW at The Garden Banquet and Convention Centre. The SUV was completely wrapped in custom graphics by Performance to showcase its partnership with BMOW.

The vehicle will provide vital support to the organization's drive to hand out food to everyone in need during and after the holiday season, and will also help promote BMOW's programs and services in Brampton. Performance's team also handed out $750 gift certificates to every BMOW volunteer and staff member at the event.

Brampton Meals on Wheels President Amanda Blaber said she was honoured to have received the new SUV. "We are once again overwhelmed by the opportunity that Performance Auto Group has given us. Their generosity and commitment to supporting the local community is inspiring, and we are honoured that they have chosen to partner with us again," said Amanda.

Kia of Brampton General Manager Ashu Suri is very proud of his dealership's partnership with BMOW. "Kia of Brampton prides itself on being a community partner, and has always supported efforts to help local and national charities. This year, our Sorento will distribute much-needed food across the city of Brampton, and I am very proud of that," said Ashu.

He said Kia of Brampton is deeply committed to the community, and its partnership with BMOW is a part of that commitment. "Our custom Sorento shows people that we care about the same things they do. All dealerships within Performance Auto Group are committed to making a positive difference in the community, and we hope to inspire others to do the same," said Ashu.

Performance Auto Group's provision of the Kia Sorento to Brampton Meals on Wheels is a part of the group's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Performance Auto Group Provides Vehicles to Shuttle People to Christmas Dinner

On December 25, 2016, Performance Auto Group donated the use of three vehicles to shuttle people from homeless shelters to a complimentary Christmas dinner in downtown St. Catharines. The dinner, hosted by Gord's Place, was attended by over 500 people.

Performance coordinated transportation of all participants, providing a brand new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a Dodge Grand Caravan, and a Hyundai Santa Fe XL for the event. Volunteers shuttled people all day from shelters across St. Catharines. The initiative enabled people to travel in comfort to the dinner, and helped spread Holiday joy to communities-in-need throughout the region.

Performance Auto Group Community Ambassador Bill Anderson said the group's commitment to serve the community is a core company value, and that its participation in the Gord's Place Christmas day dinner is a part of that commitment.

"Performance Auto Group is dedicated to supporting local communities wherever it operates, and is very proud to have partnered with Gord's Place to provide people-in-need with free transportation to and from the dinner. Our participation in this event shows people that we care about the same things that they do, and that we are deeply committed to making a positive difference in the community," said Bill.

The dinner is an annual tradition at Gord's Place, now in its 17th year. It attracts hundreds of people every Christmas, and allows communities to come together to provide food and holiday joy to everyone in need.

Performance Auto Group's participation in the Gord's Place Christmas day dinner is a part of the company's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that the group gives back visibly to the communities which it serves.

Performance Auto Group Collects Food and Toys for People in Need

Performance Auto Group is on a drive to spread joy and support communities during the 2016 holiday season by collecting food and toys for people in need across southern Ontario.

The initiative is a group-wide effort, and is being run in tandem with manufacturer-driven campaigns to collect donations for numerous charities in the GTA and Niagara. In Brampton, all Performance dealerships participated in the City of Brampton Food and Toy Drive, and collected non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys. All donated items were distributed to families in need through the Brampton Food Sharing Network and the Peel Regional Police Toys for Tots program.

Planet Ford and Classic Honda also ran manufacturer-supported toy drives in addition to the city of Brampton program. Planet Ford participated in the 21st Annual Toy Mountain Campaign, and filled up the bed of a brand new F-150 with toys and gifts for less privileged children and teens.

Classic Honda and Bolton Honda also ran Honda Canada's CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish program, and collected toys on behalf of the manufacturer for families in need. The program was Honda's 50th Annual Toy Drive, and is considered one of the largest distributors of toys to children in the Greater Toronto Area. In Toronto, Don Valley Volkswagen also joined hands with The Community Share Food Bank, and set up food bins in the showroom to collect non-perishable items for the charity.

In Niagara, all Performance dealerships actively collected toys and nonperishable food items for Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold. Collection bins were placed prominently at all locations, which helped encourage people to donate during the holiday season. Performance Auto Group employees also donated generously, and helped fill up numerous food and toy collection barrels for Community Care.

Performance Auto Group's drive to collect food and toys for people in need this holiday season is a part of the group's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Performance Auto Group Donates $6,000 to Kristen French CACN

Performance Auto Group has made a $6,000 donation to the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara (CACN) as part of the company's commitment to give back to local communities. The donation will help end Kristen French CACN's mortgage by 2018, and will assist the charitable organisation to help and support children and families suffering due to child abuse in the Niagara region.

The donation is the result of a child safety initiative spearheaded by John Mann, one of the founding members of Performance Auto Group in Niagara-St. Catharines. Mann invited car dealers to a Mayor's luncheon in St. Catharines in September, 2015, and gave an opportunity to Kristen French CACN to present their 'Safe Vehicle Safe Community' campaign at the event. The campaign asked for help in retiring CACN's mortgage by 2018, due to which Performance Auto Group made the contribution.

Kristen French CACN was the first stand-alone child advocacy centre to open in Canada in 2008. Since then, it has provided all of Niagara's 12 municipalities with child-focused and trauma-informed leading practice approach for the investigation and treatment of child abuse.

Performance Auto Group's donation to the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara is a part of the company's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that the group gives back visibly to the communities which it serves.

Bolton Ribfest Sponsorship Results in CPR Equipment Donation

Performance Auto Group has funded the donation of four CPR dummies to St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Bolton, Ontario.

The donation is the result of the group's sponsorship of the 2015 Bolton Ribfest in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bolton, with the club using the funds to purchase the high-tech dummies. The equipment was then provided to the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation, which in turn donated the dummies to St. Michael Catholic Secondary School.

The equipment will be used by students to learn and practice CPR techniques, and will go a long way to help them graduate with the knowledge and skills to save lives. The dummies are all top-of-the-line, and feature CPR rate monitors to provide instant feedback. They look and feel realistic as well, and even feature movable heads to provide students an authentic experience.

The donation is a part of Performance Auto Group's Drive Change initiative, to ensure that our organization gives back visibly to the communities which we serve.

Performance Auto Group Partners with Habitat for Humanity Niagara to Help Build House

Performance Auto Group has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Niagara and has helped construct a home for families-in-need in Port Colbourne, Ontario.

The event was held on Monday, February 8, 2015, and saw employees from Performance Toyota, Performance Lexus, Performance BMW, and Performance Hyundai put on construction boots and work alongside volunteers to help build the home. The team helped lay down the subfloor and the laminated wood flooring, and also sanded the wood trim and painted the floor. They also donated $565 raised through a special employee barbecue held at Performance Toyota a few weeks prior to the event.

Performance Toyota Product Adviser Jeff Gates said it was great to work together with his colleagues for such an important cause. "Working with coworkers from my own dealership and other Performance Auto Group dealerships to help people-in-need was amazing," said Jeff, adding, "I look forward to the open house in May when all of the volunteers are invited to the passing of keys. It will be like a small personal reunion for us as well."

Jeff explained that he left with a great sense of team building and accomplishment. "I am so glad that I participated in this build and for all it has given back to me," said Jeff, adding, "I have a new appreciation of what I have in life, and to not take that for granted. I appreciate the efforts of my co-workers - not only the ones who volunteered, but the ones who donated at the barbecue as well."

Bill Anderson, Community Ambassador for Performance Auto Group, said that Habitat for Humanity gives true meaning to giving and caring. "No matter who you are or where you are from, everyone can contribute," said Bill, adding, "Performance Auto Group and its employees are extremely proud to have partnered with Habitat for Humanity, and very happy to have contributed to such an important cause."

Performance Auto Group's collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Niagara and its donation to the charity is a part of the group's Drive Change initiative, which ensures that the organization gives back visibly to the communities which it serves.