Car dealers provide more than employment and vehicles — they support their communities
Franchised new car dealers in British Columbia and across Canada are pillars of their respective communities — providing economic investment and a key source of employment and career opportunities.
Even when facing a myriad of challenges and supply chain issues, a 2023 study revealed BC’s New Car Dealers generate a remarkable $17 billion in retail activity and contribute $775 million in total tax revenue for all levels of government, supporting the construction of hospitals, schools and key services — while providing employment to 30,000 British Columbians.
However, as an industry we are equally proud to make waves on the social landscape, driving impactful changes in communities through our ongoing support of educational opportunities and charitable causes — in B.C. and across Canada.
At the heart of this community effort in this province lies the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC. Our efforts begin to take form at the Annual Industry Preview Gala at the Vancouver International Auto Show, which is an event that brings dealers, elected officials and others who share our appreciation for everything automotive together to raise funds for Foundation initiatives.
While this event is a great chance for members to engage with each other while viewing the latest offerings from global manufacturers, they contribute generously to the Foundation through their participation in specific Association events throughout the year.
Fostering change and innovation starts with education, and the Foundation has showcased a remarkable dedication to these efforts with CarCareerBC grants and scholarships.
The CarCareerBC Grant Program, for instance, is an endowment fund built on contributions that provide financial support towards the cost of tuition and books for recipients enrolled in applicable apprenticeship, training, or education — for those pursuing a career in the industry.
The Foundation’s commitment expands beyond this mission, and actively supports various charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved. Contributions from the Foundation include Special Olympics BC (SOBC), where New Car Dealers Association Members proudly stand tall as the largest single financial supporter. These contributions underscore the industry’s commitment to playing an active role in fostering education, inclusivity, and community welfare.
Since 1984, the NCDA has been committed to supporting Special Olympics BC through the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, and has raised over $5.4 million to support SOBC’s life-changing year-round sport programs for people with intellectual disabilities, and the empowering work of the New Car Dealers Foundation.
I am proud of the work of BC New Car Dealers for their ongoing commitment to social causes — but am equally proud of franchised dealers across Canada who demonstrate the same level of commitment to so many causes that I can’t possibly cover them all.
Obviously, managing the business interest of a dealership is important, but giving back is also in their DNA — and it’s wonderful to see what can be accomplished when we work together and contribute to causes that are so integral to the social fabric of our communities from coast to coast.
