Craftsman Collision helped raise $31,266 for those impacted by wildfires

Photo: Contributed

From left: Allie Murchison-Maguire, Communications and Government Relations Advisor, Greg Kirkby, Manager (Craftsman Collision Kamloops), Tom Watters, Operations Manager (Thompson-Okanagan Region).

Craftsman Collision has helped raise more than $30,000 for those impacted by this year's brutal wildfire season.

A two-week fundraising campaign was set in motion in mid-August through Craftsman’s social media channels, Okanagan media outlets and Craftsman employees. The campaign raised $15,833 in contributions for the Canadian Red Cross' BC Wildfire Appeal campaign. Craftsman Collision is matching the donations to help those directly affected by the fires in the communities where Craftsman does business.

"As a proud Canadian brand, Craftsman has been committed to supporting our local communities for more than four decades," said Rick Hatswell, President.

"In these unprecedented times, we are continuing to give back in the best way we can, while encouraging others to do the same. We were thrilled with the results of our matching campaign which raised a total of $31,266 for the Red Cross who have worked so tirelessly supporting British Columbians affected by the devastating wildfires this summer.”

Craftsman Collision’s partnership with the Canadian Red Cross is one of many initiatives the company has helped support in Western Canada during the pandemic. Their partnerships include a $50,000 donation to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, $15,000 sponsorship to the Salvation Army Hope in the City Breakfast, $10,000 sponsorship to the JDRF Rockin’ for Research Gala, $10,000 presenting sponsorship of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s 50/50 raffle and many other local charities from hockey teams to school auctions to food banks.

“Craftsman Collision over the years has given over $1.7 million to charities big and small," said Stacy Cook, marketing manager with Craftsman Collision.

"We feel being philanthropic is a great opportunity to help foster a positive work environment for our team, where they can be proud to say they work for Craftsman and it creates strong personal connections with our customers while inspiring others to give to causes they are passionate about."