CAA Niagara is pleased to announce that Hospice Niagara and Gillian’s Place have been chosen as the recipients of the club’s third annual Community Boost program. This year, the club received nearly 60 applications from local non-profits, each representing a significant need within the Niagara Region.

“We are thrilled to once again support two important organizations through this program,” said Peter Van Hezewyk, President and CEO of CAA Niagara. “This year’s chosen charities both play an integral role in our community through their work with those most vulnerable. The pandemic has had a significant impact on essential charities across Niagara and, as a company, we take pride in being able to provide assistance to those in need.”

Launched in 2018, Community Boost was created as a way for CAA Niagara to pool its donations and sponsorship dollars to fund a highly focused corporate giving program. Each year, CAA Niagara employees are tasked with selecting two Niagara-based charities that they feel best fit the club’s core values. The chosen charities each receive a one-time donation of $10,000, marketing assistance, volunteerism and other forms of fundraising support for the subsequent 12 months. CAA Niagara also decals a fleet vehicle in each of the charities’ branding. This year’s branded trucks are scheduled to appear on the road later this summer.

“Our partnership with CAA Niagara will help people and families across our region receive the care, compassion and dignity they need and deserve, during one of the most vulnerable times in life,” said Carol Nagy, executive director of Hospice Niagara. “People will have peace of mind knowing they can live well throughout their illness and at end of life, while having a safe space to explore feelings of grief and loss after experiencing a death.” 

“We are extremely grateful and excited to be one of the recipients of CAA Niagara’s Community Boost program,” said Tanja Loeb, executive director of Gillian’s Place. “The generous $10,000 grant will have an immediate impact, as we work harder than ever to ensure survivors of gender-based violence have the security and support they need and deserve. During these increasingly challenging and isolating times, we know individuals experiencing violence within their homes are at increased risk and many are not able to safely access vital supports. Now, more than ever, a branded Gillian’s Place truck driving throughout our community will help spread awareness about gender-based violence and our services, including our 24/7 phone or text support line. On behalf of our board, staff, and our service recipients, I extend my heartfelt thanks to CAA Niagara, their employees, and their Members, for making this impactful initiative possible.”

CAA Niagara would like to thank all the charitable organizations that submitted applications for the Community Boost program this year and encourages eligible candidates to apply again next year. 

To learn more about CAA Niagara’s Community Boost program, visit caaniagara.ca/communityboost.

ABOUT HOSPICE NIAGARA

Since 1993, Hospice Niagara has been helping people and families live well from the time of diagnosis, through to end-of-life care and bereavement. Its programs and services are free of cost and support people in their homes, in the community and in the hospice residence. To learn more, visit hospiceniagara.ca.

ABOUT GILLIAN’S PLACE

Gillian’s Place provides a wide spectrum of free and confidential services that support survivors of gender-based violence, as well as those who care about them. These services include: a 34-bed emergency shelter, a 24/7 phone or text support line, safety planning, second stage housing, legal advice and support, expert counselling, child and youth programs, transitional housing and support, and education and violence prevention programs. Learn more at gilliansplace.com.

ABOUT CAA NIAGARA

Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club with just 16 members, CAA Niagara has grown to more than 139,000 members with five Niagara locations; St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold and Grimsby. A not-for-profit membership organization, CAA Niagara, provides emergency road services, travel, insurance and member rewards.