When tragedies strike, dealers are often there to support their communities.
Dealer associations across Alberta, in collaboration with the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), have rallied together to raise funds for dealership employees affected by the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alta. and surrounding areas.
As of May 6, 2016, the dealer associations had donated $80,000 in support of their colleagues. CADA has contributed an additional $35,000 on behalf of all dealer members in Canada, and has issued a communique asking provincial associations and dealer members across Canada to assist.
The fundraising campaign was spearheaded by the Motor Dealers’ Association of Alberta (MDA), which contributed $25,000 to support the dealers and their families. Dealer associations from Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge have also contributed to the fund.
“It was so much appreciated to see how much our industry cares about those of us in the automotive industry who are going through tough times. And I can’t say enough about the charity that’s coming forward from other dealer associations and from dealerships. It’s overwhelming,” said Denis Ducharme, President of MDA, in an interview with Canadian auto dealer.
Ducharme said there are three large dealership group members of the association affected by the wildfires. One of the member GM dealers he spoke with said 40 of its employees have lost their homes in the fire.
Ducharme said MDA members have reached out to to tell him they are setting up fundraising plans in which they will match what employees donate. He added he continues to receive donations and support from provincial associations coast-to-coast.
“As your national association, CADA is proud to collaborate right from the outset with MDA in amassing relief funds destined to provide those employees whose business and personal lives have been disrupted,” said CADA Chairman Harry Mertin in the national communique.
John White, President & CEO of CADA, said the organization is proud to support member dealers.
“I’m pleased with how quickly we’ve been able to come together to provide assistance to dealership employees and their families displaced by the wildfires. Dealers are among the most generous groups of people of any business sector in Canada, so it’s important that as an industry, we play our part to support our employees.”
