During a period of extreme weather and flooding in British Columbia last year, the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) helped lead a fundraising effort to ensure people and communities impacted by the disaster received the necessary resources and support.
The association, along with the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) and Recreational Dealers Association of BC (RVDA), contributed to the Canadian Red Cross in support of flood impacted communities.
“We want to acknowledge the Wheaton Family, and the First Canadian Financial Group for committing to match dealer donations up to the first $500,000,” said NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey in response to an inquiry from Canadian auto dealer. “We are so grateful to everyone who contributed.”
The amount donated to the Canadian Red Cross was nearly $1.2 million, although Qualey said the combined efforts, along with donations from CADA and other dealerships and provincial dealer associations, was over that amount. With provincial and federal government matching funds, he said the total amount represents more than $3.6 million.
The NCDA said the natural disaster, which occurred throughout November 2021, prompted a state of emergency by the province of B.C., with “extreme flooding, landslides, evacuation orders and power outages” affecting communities throughout the Fraser Valley and beyond. Some areas were evacuated, as the disaster affected homes and resulted in the closure of businesses—including dealerships.
The fundraising effort brought much needed support for the Canadian Red Cross, allowing them to get resources and provide emergency support services to people impacted by the disaster.
