October 20th, 2016
When a fundraiser is more than.
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s Special Events Coordinator, Becky Klokoff, shares her experience at this year’s All-Brite Glass & Tint Event on October 19, 2016.
Yesterday’s event at All-Brite Glass & Tint marked 4 years of an amazing partnership between Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) and the incredible folks at All-Brite. A unique fundraising event, where customers can have a windshield chip repaired for free in exchange for a donation to EAFWR. Together, All-Brite staff and EAFWR staff work together to fix windshields and share the message of community, dignity and belonging.
I love this event. It’s just that plain and simple.
I love talking. And I love meeting new people. Add in the opportunity to talk about my passion for the work that we do at EAFWR, and this is a dream situation. The number of people that I have had the pleasure of meeting at the Windshield Chip event over the years are countless and memorable. The personal stories that have been shared are humbling, insightful and inspirational. Hearing about a family member with a disability, connecting with past/current Direct Support People, answering questions about supports and resources, meeting people with a disability, or chatting about something totally unrelated; connections have been made. This is all part of the meaningful work we do.
I love the team and staff at All-Brite Glass & Tint. They are an ever-growing staff made up of friendly, social, curious, and kind people with big hearts, who care just as much about having a successful event as myself and the owners of All-Brite. A shared ownership. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE who works at All-Brite, takes pride in this event – from fixing windshield chips to getting quotes for new windshields to speaking proudly about Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region and asking for donations on our behalf. Over the years, I have seen such growth and compassion from this amazing group. From not knowing a whole lot about EAFWR when we started the event to being able to speak our values and our beliefs to customers who ask. They are curious about the work that we do and about learning more about our world.
I am just as curious about their world. What I have learned over the years about windshield chips is incredible. I have had patient and helpful teachers. I have learned what chips can be fixed, which ones can’t, that there is the option of using a buffer, and the benefits of a UV light that suction cups onto the windshield when the natural sunlight is not available.
I love this event. It is the definition of a true partnership. And I love the people that make it happen and bring it life.
Only 209 more sleeps until we get to do it all over again!
—
A special thanks to 91.5 The Beat and 107.5 DaveROCKS for providing the entertainment and getting the message about this great event out there. The personalities who join us day of really help make the this day special, and bring energy and hype only you do best! Thank you.
And endless thanks to Terry and the crew at All-Brite Glass & Tint. Your tireless work to help Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region reach more people is incredible. All of the team at All-Brite know what community and belonging really mean, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have a community partner speak our message.
—
All-Brite Glass & Tint has been an outstanding third-party fundraiser for Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. Prior to this October’s event, All-Brite had donated more than $3000 to EAFWR. Find out how community fundraisers and donors help EAFWR build strong, inclusive communities for all.