The pandemic has been especially hard for people with intellectual disabilities. This year, more than ever, funds raised by the New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction make a difference in the lives of SOBC athletes.

Running from May 27 to June 2, the 2021 New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction raised a record $215,000. New Car Dealers and supporters steered the event to success by donating more than 280 auction items, making cash pledges, soliciting donations, and bidding on items.

“The 2021 auction was particularly important because it showed that even during times when we all are faced with extra challenges in our lives, we all came together as an industry to continue to show our unwavering support for this important cause. It demonstrates that we all have the ability to make a big difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes, and show them how much we care,” New Car Dealers Foundation of BC Chairperson Heather Headley said.

Since its inception, the auction has raised more than $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 of BC. 

Read more…

NEW EVENT!

New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction
Date: May 27, 2021 – June 2, 2021

The pandemic has shown that Special Olympics BC’s year-round programs and empowering community matter now more so than ever. For many athletes with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is the only place where they have friends, where they are active and healthy, where they are first and foremost seen for their abilities and talents. For many of them, the pain of exclusion was already far too familiar.

By supporting the 2021 New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction, you can have a lasting impact by helping Special Olympics BC reopen all of our sport and youth programs in 55 communities throughout our province. You’ll help renew all of the friendships and opportunities that matter so much to our athletes (Meet our athletes), who are still too often forgotten and left behind by society.

This year’s online auction will run May 27 to June 2, making a difference for Special Olympics BC and the life-changing work of the New Car Dealers Foundation. Please consider donating, bidding, and spreading the word about the auction and its opportunities to change lives.

Find out more about the 2021 auction and submit your generous donation. Learn more here.

On this occasion of Giving Tuesday (Dec 1 2020), we wanted to take a moment to share our thanks for the many, many ways that BC’s New Car Dealers make a significant difference in their communities across the province each day for a wide variety of charities and community supporting events. You are truly making a difference with big impact and we thank you!

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC is participating in #GivingTuesday!

100% of your donation to The Foundation goes to supporting eligible students in BC (CarCareerBC grants and scholarships) who wish to pursue post-secondary education or training leading to a career in the automotive industry.

In 2020, the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC awarded over $40,000 in education grants to students pursuing careers in the automotive industry. Grants range in value from $500 to $2,500 and are provided as tuition credit or towards the purchase of new tools (grant funding is made to the post-secondary school with restricted use for tuition, or to an approved tool supplier).

Interested in donating? Contact us today.

Running from September 18 to 24, the 2020 New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction raised more than $171,000 in silent auction items, cash donations, and sponsorships to support the life-changing work of Special Olympics BC and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC.

The auction featured more than 250 exciting items donated by New Car Dealers members and supporters to benefit Special Olympics BC and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC. The headline prize was a 2020 Honda Civic DX Sedan, which was generously donated by BC Honda Dealers. The event also included other unique and sought-after items in automotive, business, food, lifestyle, media, sport, travel, and wine.

Thank you to to all the NCDA Members and dealerships who so generously supported!

Learn more about the Auction here.

Matching Funds from First Canadian!

This Thursday July 23, at the ADESA Auction, with every vehicle you buy or sell at ADESA, you will have the option to add a donation to the New Car Dealers Foundation. Our friends at First Canadian will MATCH your donation, up to $10,000!

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC exists to provide CarCareerBC grants and scholarships to young people for automotive industry programs that lead to work at new car dealerships and supports other charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved.

We have the opportunity to make a huge impact on the lives of Special Olympics BC Athletes and students around the province, but we can’t do it without your support. Thanks for getting involved with this great initiative! For more information or questions, please contact: info@newcardealers.ca

Thank you for your support!

Check out this short video message from the Foundation’s Chair, Heather Headley, Adesa’s John Macdonald and NCDA’s Blair Qualey.

THANK YOU

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC’s Inaugural 

50/50 Draw Kicks Off on March 1

For Immediate Release
February 28, 2020

Greater Vancouver, BC – For the first time in the history of the New Car Dealers Foundation, a new 50/50 raffle will launch and be featured at the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show. (March 25-29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre). Proceeds from the raffle will go towards supporting the New Car Dealers Foundation’s charitable and educational initiatives, which include financial contributions to Special Olympics BC (SOBC) as well as scholarships and grants for post-secondary students looking to pursue a career with BC’s New Car Dealers.

Tickets will be available for purchase online starting March 1 and will be available for purchase onsite at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC has awarded more than $500,000 in education grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. The grants are then put towards paying for tuition or for things such as the purchase of new tools to support aspiring automotive industry workers. The Foundation, along with BC’s New Car Dealers and Special Olympics BC, have raised over $5 Million together over the years.

“We’re very excited to be introducing a 50/50 draw for the first time at the show this year to help support all the great initiatives the New Car Dealers Foundation undertakes,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association, which operates the New Car Dealers Foundation. “We’re continually reminded of the positive impact the Foundation’s initiatives have on those they touch and that only increases our devotion to raising funds,” he added.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the New Car Dealers Foundation booth at the Vancouver International Auto Show on Sunday March 29th at 5:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased as 3 for $5.00, 7 for $10.00, 50 for $20.00 and 150 for $50.00. Tickets can be purchased by credit card online starting at Noon on Monday, March 1 and then in-person throughout the show until March 29, with credit card, debit card and cash from March 25-29. Sales will cut-off online and onsite at 4 PM, March 29. There is no ticket purchase limit.

Ticket buyers must be 19 years of age or older. If a winning ticket bears a minor’s name, the prize will be lawfully delivered on behalf of the minor to the minor’s parent, legal guardian or trustee. Rules of play available online at https://ncdfoundation.wpengine.com/

50/50 Tickets can be purchased at https://ncdfoundation.wpengine.com/

Tickets to attend the 100th Vancouver International Auto Show are available at www.VancouverInternationalAutoshow.com/

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association directly employ over 30,000 British Columbians and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia. The NCDA owns and operates the Vancouver International Auto Show.

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Contact:

Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
swercholuk@lbmg.ca

Nov. 29, 2019

New Car Dealers’ Foundation of BC supporting CMTN student success

The CMTN Foundation recognized student success and celebrated the contributions of its many donors at its donor dinner and appreciation event last night. The annual dinner is an opportunity for donors to meet and interact with award recipients and celebrate the success of students who receive scholarships, grants, bursaries and awards.

One of the highlights of the evening included a donation of $10,000 to the CMTN Foundation from the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC – the second such contribution in a three-year commitment to donate a total of $30,000 to the CMTN Foundation in support of three award categories for students.

“We are so grateful to have the support for our students from the New Car Dealers Foundation through its three-year commitment,” says CMTN Foundation CEO, Brian Badge. “Investing in students is an investment in the future and we know this helps students when they need it most.”

In conjunction with the Terrace Auto Dealers Association, the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC offers three award categories to students of Coast Mountain College: Automotive Foundations Awards (4 x $1,500), Automotive Apprentice Awards (2 x $1,000), and Business Awards (2 x $1,000). These awards are available annually in the Fall of 2018, 2019, and 2020.

“The automotive sector is facing a labour shortage in job professions that include automotive service technicians. It is our pleasure to partner with the CMTN Foundation and the Terrace Auto Dealers Association to contribute to education grants that will help young people forge meaningful careers at BC’s New Car Dealers,” says Blair Qualey, President and CEO, of the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC.

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC is committed to driving education and community involvement and exists to provide CarCareerBC grants to young people for programs that lead to work at new car dealerships. Additionally, the Foundation supports charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved.

The New Car Dealers Foundation is operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), which represents more than 390 New Car Dealers throughout the province. NCDA members generate close to $17 billion in economic activity, pump $2.9 billion net GDP directly into BC’s economy, and employ more than 3,000 high paying jobs in over 55 communities. The Terrace Auto Dealers provides services and products within the Terrace and BC’s north coast region.

For more information about the scholarships available to students please visit:

https://www.coastmountaincollege.ca/awards-bursaries-scholarships/award-or-bursary-details/terrace-auto-dealers-association-new-car-dealers-foundation-of-bc-award

Media contact:

Sarah Zimmerman, APR

Executive Director, Communications

szimmerman@coastmountaincollege.ca

250.641.2206

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Car Dealership Association (PGCDA) and New Car Dealers’ Foundation of BC are launching three new awards at CNC to assist students pursuing a career path in the automotive industry.

The awards, which total $10,000 annually, include three scholarships and a bursary for students registered in the Auto Service Technician Foundation-Level program at CNC. The PGCDA and NCDFBC have also created a scholarship for a CNC student registered in the Business Management or Accounting and Finance program.

“Like many industries, the automotive sector is facing a labour shortage in job professions that include automotive service technicians,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA). “It’s our pleasure to partner with New Car Dealers’ members in Prince George to provide scholarship and bursary opportunities that will help forge meaningful career opportunities in the industry.”

The NCDA represents more than 390 New Car Dealers throughout the province, who generate close to $17 billion in economic activity, pump $2.9 billion net GDP directly into BC’s economy, and employ more than 30,000 high paying jobs in 55 communities it serves. The PGCDA provides services and products within the City of Prince George and B.C.’s northern region.

“Prince George New Car Dealers are proud to be able to assist students in this region pursue career opportunities in the automotive sector,” said Peter Sia, General Manager of Northland Nissan. “Not only does this create greater certainty and flexibility for the local industry, it ensures our young people have a chance to develop the skills that will allow them to launch and maintain a career in their own community.”
CNC provides a comprehensive selection of automotive training, including foundation and apprenticeship level Automotive Service Technician and Auto Body Repair, as well as an Automotive Glass Technician apprenticeship.

“Industry partners have been integral to CNC’s ability to inspire movement forward for both our students and the community,” said Tara Szerencsi, CNC Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services. “We’re thankful to the Prince George Car Dealership Association and the New Car Dealers Association of BC for making this investment in CNC students.”

About the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC: The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC exists to provide CarCareerBC grants and scholarships to young people for automotive industry programs that lead to work at car dealership and supports other charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved. Members and associate members contribute to the Foundation through their participation in certain Association events throughout the year.

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For more information:

New Car Dealers Association
Blair Qualey
604-897-0852
bqualey@newcardealers.ca

College of New Caledonia
Dustin Ruth
Media Relations Officer
778-349-0597
ruthd1@cnc.bc.ca

Thanks to the generosity of BC’s New Car Dealers and supporters throughout the province, the 2019 New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction raised significant funds to benefit the empowering work of the two beneficiary charities. With more than 280 items and a record number of bidders, the 2019 auction raised more than $178,000 for Special Olympics BC and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC.

Over its three decades of inspiration, this important event has raised nearly $5.1 million to support Special Olympics BC’s life-changing year-round sport programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the empowering work of the New Car Dealers Foundation.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the many Dealers and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s auction by making a cash pledge, donating auction items, soliciting donations, and/or bidding on items. Sincere thanks to the BC Honda Dealers Association, Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealers of BC, and Pacific Toyota Dealers for leading the way in giving back by each donating a sought-after vehicle to the auction.

We are so grateful for the dedicated members of the auction organizing committee. Every year they give countless hours of thoughtful and compassionate work in order to make this event a success, always looking for the best ways to help Special Olympics athletes and the important programs of the New Car Dealers Foundation. Thanks to:

• Manse Binkley, Harmony Honda and Harmony Acura
• Doug Bower, Vancouver Sun and The Province
• Marnie Carter, Carter Auto Family
• John Chesman
• Heather Headley, Pacific Honda
• Pamela Keith, Dueck Auto Group
• Joe Mitchell, Carter Auto Family
• Blair Qualey, New Car Dealers Association
• John Wynia, Harbourview Volkswagen

Having seen SOBC athletes speak at events and impress significant crowds, Chesman says he has been impressed by their courage, and he notes the confidence and pride they gain with Special Olympics.

“It’s huge. You give [the athletes] an opportunity, No. 1, and through sports, you can get an awful lot of confidence and camaraderie and start to feel good about themselves,” he says. “I think Special Olympics is an unbelievably good organization.”

Special thanks to the following Dealers for making a cash pledge and or donating an auction item:

• Applewood Auto Group
• Auto West BMW
• Bannister Cadillac Buick GMC Kelowna
• Bannister Chevrolet Buick GMC Vernon
• Bannister Ford Dawson Creek
• Bannister Honda
• Brian Jessel BMW
• Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC
• Browns Chevrolet Buick GMC
• Cam Clark Ford Lincoln
• Capilano Volkswagen
• Carter Auto Family
• Champion Chevrolet
• Cowell Auto Group
• Dueck Downtown
• Dueck on Marine
• Dueck Richmond
• Freeway Mazda
• GAIN Group, Vancouver Island
• Hallmark Ford Sales Ltd.
• Harmony Acura
• Harmony Honda
• Huber Bannister Chevrolet
• Jenner Chevrolet Corvette Buick GMC
• Jim Pattison Auto Group
• Jim Pattison Chrysler Jeep Dodge
• Jim Pattison Hyundai
• Jim Pattison Lexus
• Jim Pattison Subaru
• Jim Pattison Toyota
• Jim Pattison Volkswagen
• Jim Pattison Volvo
• Laird Wheaton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
• MacCarthy GM
• Metrotown Mazda
• Mini Richmond
• North Vancouver Nissan
• Pacific Honda
• Park Shore BMW
• Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd.
• Salmon Arm GM
• Smith Chevrolet Cadillac Ltd.
• West Coast Auto Group
• Wheaton Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC

Special Olympics BC and the New Car Dealers Foundation extend sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 2019 auction and look forward to further growth in 2020. To get involved, please contact Christina Hadley, SOBC Vice President, Fund Development & Communications, at 604-737-3073 / 1-888-854-2276 toll-free / chadley@specialolympics.bc.ca.

The Terrace Auto Dealers and New Car Dealers Foundation of BC have worked with Coast Mountain College on developing several new awards, to begin in 2019. The Terrace Auto Dealers and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC are each contributing equally to the awards.

These new awards will support students enrolled in Trades Foundations, Trades Apprentice, and Business programs at Coast Mountain College, who are planning to pursue further education in the Automotive program, and meet the outlined criteria.

The Terrace Auto Dealers Association & New Car Dealers Foundation of BC Awards:

Automotive Foundations
4 awards @ $1,500 each

Automotive Apprentice Levels 2, 3, or 4
2 awards @ $1,000 each

1^st Year Business Certificate or 2^nd Year Business Diploma
2 awards @ $1,000 each

Matching Funds
Coast Mountain College Foundation is matching 100% of the annual contribution. The total matching funds in the partnership between New Car Dealers Foundation of BC and CMTN Foundation will be endowed, and revenue from the endowment will be used to disburse an additional award.

As with awards established at other post-secondary schools, Coast Mountain College will collect and review applications. We look forward to sharing photos of future award recipients!

Blair Qualey, President & CEO, New Car Dealers Association of BC (far left), attends the Donor Appreciation Dinner in Terrace on November 29th.