The Pat and Diana Priestner Family, Georgian Chevrolet Buick GMC, and all CanadaOne Cares Dealerships, are dedicated to making a meaningful, lasting difference through thoughtful charitable giving. By supporting the needs of our communities we're building more than a company; we're building a legacy of care and commitment.
Georgian GM Cares
We're Proud to Support
Women & Childrens Shelter of Barrie
The Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie provides safe emergency shelter, counselling, advocacy and support services to women and children experiencing abuse, helping them find safety and break the cycle of violence. Georgian GM and CanadaOne Auto Group are proud to support this important work with a $20,000 donation to the Shelter. The Georgian GM team came together on donation day for a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes opportunity at our dealership, in support of the Shelter’s signature event. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes brings participants together to walk a mile in high-heeled shoes to raise awareness about domestic & gender-based violence, show solidarity with survivors, and help raise funds to support local women and children.
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is a local non-profit agency that supports vulnerable children, youth and families through child protection, mental health, family services and community programs. Georgian GM and CanadaOne Auto Group proudly made a $20,000 donation to support the organization’s Holiday Program, which helped children, youth and families experiencing financial hardship enjoy a brighter holiday season. Through community donations and sponsorships, the program provided personalized gifts, toys, clothing and grocery gift cards, helping families create meaningful holiday celebrations and ensuring children and youth had something special to look forward to during the holidays.
Barrie Food Bank
The Barrie Food Bank is a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families experiencing food insecurity by providing access to nutritious food and essential supplies. Georgian GM and CanadaOne Auto Group proudly made a $20,000 donation to support the Barrie Food Bank during the holiday season, helping provide much-needed food assistance to local families, children and seniors during a time when the need for support is especially important. The contribution helped bring greater food security to our community and ensured more local families could enjoy the holidays with one less thing to worry about.
A Legacy of Care and Compassion
In the demanding world of retail automotive, mental health often takes a back seat. The challenges faced by dealership teams, especially during the pandemic, highlighted the critical need for support and understanding.
Pat Priestner, our founder, recognized this need and turned his personal reflections into action. Originally written as a heartfelt memoir for his children and grandchildren, Notes for the Children shares Pat's journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges while prioritizing mental well-being. Drawing from over 50 years in the retail automotive industry, he candidly addresses his struggles, lessons learned, and the practices that helped him navigate life's ups and downs.
Today, Pat visits our dealerships to share these experiences firsthand, fostering conversations around mental health and personal growth. His book is a blend of personal stories and practical advice—a testament to the transformative power of small, meaningful changes.
All proceeds from Notes for the Children will go to charities that support well-being across Canada, helping to extend the impact of his message beyond our organization.
Contact
For more information about Georgian Chevrolet Buick GMC's charitable giving initiatives and CanadaOne Cares, please contact Lauren Becker or fill out the form below.