CSN Collision Centers kicked off the Hope for the Holidays virtual auction Dec. 3 with a one-hour livestream hosted by James Hinchcliffe, Canadian IndyCar driver and CSN brand ambassador.
Inspired to provide support for children in Canada suffering from critical illnesses, CSN Collision Centers and their industry partners brought hundreds of prizes to the auction that did not disappoint. Offering everything from high-end electronics to golf packages in Muskoka, VIP Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors experiences and everything in between, the items auctioned showed CSN owners and their industry partners’ commitment to generating a substantial donation for their charity of choice.
“It was our incredible collision center owners and our industry partners that made this event so successful,” said Ashley Thorpe, director of marketing and communications for CSN. “Without their inspiration, passion and generosity, this would not have happened.”
In addition to the prize pool, there was a lot of support during the livestream through direct donation towards Make-A-Wish. An integral part of the $95,000 raised through the campaign was a feature on the hopefortheholidays.com website that allowed donations to be made directly towards a child’s wish.
“We were able to grant wishes for room makeovers, shopping sprees and video gaming experiences all in real-time during the livestream, and this means we have made children’s wishes come true just in time for the holidays.” said Thorpe.
The highlight of the night came at the conclusion of the livestream when James Hinchcliffe spoke to a Wish kid named Logan, a 17-year-old car lover from Fredericton, New Brunswick, about his dream of having a racecar experience. If the 2021 Honda Indy in Toronto takes place and visitors are allowed, Logan will join Hinchliffe for a full-access VIP race experience.
“Seeing Logan’s face when he learned his wish was being granted was the perfect way to end the event, and it’s why we are so appreciative and grateful to be partnered with Make-A-Wish and get the opportunity to grant life-changing wishes to kids who need some hope this year,” said Thorpe.
