It is with great excitement that CAA Niagara announces that it is now accepting applications from Niagara-based charities for its fifth annual Community Boost.

Launched in 2019, the Community Boost program aims to make a big impact on the community by providing financial and non-financial support to local non-profits. Each year, two charities are selected from a pool of applications to receive one-time donations of $10,000 each, along with various forms of volunteerism, marketing assistance, and fundraising support.

An exciting and well-known component of the program, the club also decals two new towing vehicles in its fleet, each in one of the recipient’s branding and colours, to raise awareness of the selected charities. The two new charities are the primary focus of CAA Niagara’s charitable efforts for the first year but remain part of the Community Boost family for a total of five years. During those additional four years, CAA Niagara provides various supports including event sponsorships, donation collection at CAA Member events, promotional assistance, etc.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone of Community Boost, which has had a significant impact on the Niagara community over the past five years,” said Peter Van Hezewyk, President and CEO of CAA Niagara. “We look forward to welcoming two new charities to the program this year and continuing to support all ten charities in the Community Boost family.”

In 2022, CAA Niagara received approximately 40 applications from Niagara-based charities, which were reviewed and narrowed down by an internal committee before employees from all levels of the organization voted from a shortlist of finalists. Pathstone Mental Health and Heartland Forest Nature Experience were selected as the newest recipients for that year. Other charities that are currently part of the Community Boost family include: Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara, Distress Centre Niagara, Food4Kids Niagara, FORT Youth Centre, Gillian’s Place and Hospice Niagara.

Applications for the 2023 Community Boost program are now open and will be accepted until Friday, March 31st. Charities dedicated to community safety, programming for seniors and children, social services, mental health services, and environmental conservation and sustainability will be given preference.

Interested charities can download the application form or learn more about recent recipients atcaaniagara.ca/communityboost.

ABOUT CAA NIAGARA

Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club with just 16 members, CAA Niagara has grownto nearly 150,000 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.