CARSTAR celebrates sparkling achievement: 10 years of soaping it up to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis

Over 45,000 cars washed and more than $2-million raised for Cystic Fibrosis over a decade of fundraising

HAMILTON, ON, June 4, 2013 /CNW/ - This Saturday, CARSTAR Collision and Glass will mark the 10-year anniversary of its Soaps It Up for Cystic Fibrosis campaign. Over the past decade, owners, staff and volunteers at CARSTAR locations across Canada have raised over $2-million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. The program has seen the company set and break the Guinness World Record for the largest car wash, create the country's first Dirty Car Art Exhibit and inspire hope across the country all while searching for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

CARSTAR will look to build on a decade's worth of momentum with this year's Soaps It Up for Cystic Fibrosis National Car Wash Fundraiser. Volunteers and staff from CARSTAR locations across Canada will roll up their sleeves and scrub down vehicles, raising funds one car at a time. As part of the 10-year anniversary celebrations, two lucky Canadians who purchase car wash tickets will win the opportunity to attend one of the top ten celebrations in the world such as Oktoberfest in Munich, St. Patrick's Day In Dublin, New Years Eve in New York and La Tomatina in Spain.

Events will take place from coast-to-coast on Saturday, June 8, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST with nearly 70 stores participating (dates and times may vary based on location, visit www.carstar.ca/soapsitup for more details).  The funds raised at each car wash will support Cystic Fibrosis Canada and local charities.

The fight against Cystic Fibrosis has been a personal one for CARSTAR. The company began its quest for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis after learning that Victoria Whitaker, a granddaughter of a CARSTAR franchise owner had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Victoria's story inspired the Soaps It Up campaign. 10 years later, Victoria continues to live a positive and inspiring life in her home of Smithville, Ontario and remains the inspiration behind each car washed and every dollar raised.

"I am incredibly proud to see what started as a small grassroots campaign, grow to become a 10 year, $2-million fundraising success story," said Michael Macaluso, COO of CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres, "Finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis is a mission for CARSTAR and I am so proud of our franchise partners, vendor sponsors, volunteers and Canadians who have contributed to this campaign"

Cystic fibrosis is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system and is the most common fatal genetic disease that affects Canadian children and young adults. Each week in Canada, two children are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and one person dies from the disease. There is no cure. Ultimately, most CF-related deaths are due to lung disease.

"Over the past 10 years, the Soaps It Up campaign has been a source of hope for the over 4,000 Canadians who live with this devastating disease," said Maureen Adamson, President and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. "We are proud to call CARSTAR a partner and applaud their dedication to the fight against cystic fibrosis."

Tickets for CARSTAR Soaps It Up can be purchased for a minimum $5 donation and are available at participating CARSTAR locations across the country or online at www.carstar.ca/soapsitup. Consumers who purchase tickets are eligible to win prizes including a trip to one of the top 10 celebrations as well as tickets to see Celine Dion in Paris, travel vouchers from King Rose Travel and Air Miles reward miles.

Sponsors for the milestone 10^th Annual CARSTAR Soaps It Up include: AkzoNobel, NAPA, BASF, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, DAC Group, Nolitours and King Rose Travel.

About CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres

CARSTAR is the largest and fastest growing automotive repair franchise in North America, with over 400 locations. Founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1995, CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres has grown from eight to over 160 locations throughout 10 provinces. Within Canada, CARSTAR repairs approximately 100,000 vehicles per year, with exceptionally high customer experience ratings.  Through a variety of fundraising initiatives, CARSTAR, its franchisees, partners and employees have raised over $1.9 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. In 2012, CARSTAR was recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. For more information, please visit: www.carstar.ca.

SOURCE: CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres