CAA Niagara Pledge

CAA Niagara caps off "The Big Food Boost" with $1M multi-year pledge to Feed Niagara.
Classic Albums Christmas Concert Poster

This year’s Classic Albums Christmas presented by Youngs Insurance will be happening on Saturday, December 14th at the Croatian National Home, 6 Broadway, Welland. This is the 13th year that this event has been held in support of the Hope Centre and we hope to beat the huge attendance from last year.

This is a one-time only opportunity to hear these specific Classic Rock albums from the 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s played by local musicians from across Niagara. The albums that will be played in their entirety are Nirvana’s Live in New York Unplugged, Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever, No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom, Rage Against the Machine’s Self-Titled Album and a Compilation of Much Music’s Big Shinny Tunes.

This group of musicians has been hosting the Classic Albums X-Mas show, in support of The Hope Centre, for 13 years and has covered over 46 albums during that time. The organizing committee consists of Kelly Jones, Pierre Hasapogiannis, Bob Casler, Serena Pryne, and Andrew Danch.
“The musicians involved have been playing gigs together for 25 years in different bands. As they have gotten older, they have been creating opportunities to play together and to give back to the community,” said Kelly Jones, organizing committee member. “Last year upgrading the event to the Croatian Hall and expanding our relationship with the Hope Centre has brought the event to the next level. The committee hopes the event will sell-out and this lineup of five acts will only support that!”

“We chose to support the Hope Centre because they provide services to the entire Welland community,” said Jones. “Our group of musicians are very lucky people, and we see the amount hardship that is happening in Welland and we want to use our talents to help the Hope Centre.”
“Third-party events not only help to raise funds for our organization, but they also help raise awareness about our programs and services that are available for any individual or family living in Welland that struggles to meet their basic needs,” said Jennifer Sinclair, Community Engagement Coordinator. “We are grateful for this group of local musicians who choose to donate their time and talent to support The Hope Centre.”

Event and Ticket Details
• Advanced tickets can be purchased online for $20 at https://trellis.org/classic-albums-xmas
• We encourage participants to bring a non-perishable food item as well.
• Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 (cash only).
• A 50/50 will be held at the event with a chance to win up to $1,000

THOROLD, ON (September 11, 2023) – Today, CAA Niagara proudly announces a major $1 million commitment to support Feed Niagara, an organization dedicated to helping those in need in our community. This significant contribution will play a vital role in strengthening Feed Niagara’s essential work.

Peter Van Hezewyk, President and CEO of CAA Niagara, emphasizes the importance of unity, stating, “At CAA Niagara, we believe in the strength of our community. Our $1 million pledge, distributed in $100,000 increments annually, demonstrates our strong commitment to making a positive impact. Together, we’re focused on ending hunger in our community.”

Stacy Elia, Chief Executive Officer at GBF Community Service, a representative for Feed Niagara, expressed deep gratitude for CAA Niagara’s continued support, saying, “CAA Niagara’s unwavering commitment is truly inspiring. This $1 million will enable us to reach more people, enhance our services, and provide food to more families in need. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our community.”

This multi-year pledge builds upon CAA Niagara’s initial $100,000 donation to Feed Niagara earlier this year, further empowering Feed Niagara in their mission to combat hunger in our community.

CAA Niagara recently concluded its second “Big Food Boost” initiative. During this community-wide food drive, individuals came together to contribute both funds and food at various CAA Niagara branches, community events, and several CAA Rewards partner locations. Over 4,000 pounds of food was donated.

CAA Niagara is dedicated to making a positive impact in the fight against hunger in our community. Together, with teamwork and strong support, we’re working toward a brighter and better-fed future. Learn more about CAA Niagara’s community initiatives by visiting caaniagara.ca/community.

ABOUT CAA NIAGARA

Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club with just 16 members, CAA Niagara has grown to nearly 150,000 Members with five Niagara locations; St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold (HQ) and Grimsby. A not-for-profit membership organization, CAA Niagara, provides emergency road services, travel, insurance and Member rewards.

ABOUT FEED NIAGARA

Feed Niagara is a consortium of 10 food banks across Niagara who are proud members of Feed Ontario.  It is recognized as the voice of poverty in Niagara. Feed Niagara is committed to work with key decision-makers, donors and members of the food industry to ensure all Niagarans have access to healthy food.

Feed Niagara members: 

  • Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold
  • Community Care of West Niagara
  • GBF Community Services
  • Newark Neighbours
  • Pelham Cares Inc.
  • Port Cares
  • Project SHARE
  • The Hope Centre
  • The Salvation Army – Fort Erie
  • West Lincoln Community Care
Feed Niagara Banner with logos of all 10 Feed Niagara Agencies, Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold
Community Care of West Niagara
GBF Community Services
Newark Neighbours
Pelham Cares Inc.
Port Cares
Project SHARE
The Hope Centre
The Salvation Army – Fort Erie
West Lincoln Community Care