CARSTAR, Canada’s premier network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities, is proud to announce the success of its national participation in the Walk to Make CF History held on Sunday, May 31.
Across 11 walk sites nationwide, more than 30 CARSTAR locations came together to support Cystic Fibrosis Canada, collectively raising over $30,000. The events brought communities together with enthusiastic participation, family-friendly activities, and appearances from local sports mascots including Louie (Edmonton Oil Kings), Rex (Kitchener Rangers), and Leo (BC Lions).
CARSTAR locations across Canada made meaningful contributions to their local walks, including:
- CARSTAR Johnny K Group ($3,250) — Hosted an interactive tire-changing pit stop activation in Edmonton despite rainy conditions.
- CARSTAR Rich’s Auto Collision ($200) — Supported participants in Campbell River by keeping walkers fueled and hydrated.
- CARSTAR Cambridge ($3,675) — Delivered a high-energy Kitchener Walk experience with a photo booth and a raffle featuring a Sidney Crosby jersey.
- CARSTAR Scarborough Northeast ($2,000) — Energized Toronto with a rock-themed activation showcasing iconic KISS boots ahead of the “Kiss CF Goodbye” concert initiative.
- CARSTAR Thunder Bay ($3,400) — Combined online fundraising with a busy community barbecue serving burgers and hot dogs.
- CARSTAR Dartmouth — The Centennial Group team, alongside Zone Director Dave Meery, engaged the Atlantic Canada community with CARSTAR plush giveaways.
- CARSTAR Raydar Collision Group — Marked their first Vancouver Walk with a main-stage address highlighting CARSTAR’s commitment, joined by BC Lions mascot Leo.
- CARSTAR Victoria ($1,000) — Participated in the family-friendly Vancouver Island Walk alongside costumed characters and Disney-themed performers.
- CARSTAR Manitoba Group ($125) — Created a children’s zone featuring a bubble station and hydration support.
- CARSTAR Hamilton Stores — Franchise partners Saputo Capital Group and Chavez Auto Group joined corporate leadership in hosting a kids’ activation celebrating CARSTAR’s lifetime $6+ million fundraising milestone for cystic fibrosis initiatives.
“What makes CARSTAR powerful is how every store shows up for their community in its own way,” said Johnny Kloeckes, owner of CARSTAR Johnny K Group. “Being part of this network means we can turn local energy into real, measurable impact that contributes to something much bigger than any single event.”
“Across Canada, our franchise partners didn’t just participate in the Walk — they created meaningful community moments that brought people together and drove real fundraising impact,” said Oghogho Oteju, Senior Marketing Manager, CARSTAR Canada. “That consistency of effort, from small activations to major events, is what sets CARSTAR apart as a national network with true local heart.”
CARSTAR continues its long-standing commitment to community support, having now raised more than $6 million for cystic fibrosis research, care, and advocacy.
For more information, visit CARSTAR.ca.
Press release by CARSTAR
Picture credit : CARSTAR
