December 6, 2017
, Windsor, Ontario
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Who needs a sleigh? Today, employees at FCA Canada’s Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP) filled eight Windsor-built Chrysler Pacifica minivans with donated toys for local children in need this holiday season.
The minivans — appropriately decked out as Santa’s eight reindeer — will deliver their contents to Sparky’s Toy Drive, an annual local holiday campaign which collects brand new toys for over 3,200 children in need throughout the Windsor-Essex community. The program is organized by Windsor Fire and Rescue Services.
“FCA Windsor Assembly employees have been an integral part of Sparky’s Toy Drive success over the years,” said Sean Costello, Sparky’s Toy Drive Coordinator, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services. “They are consistently our largest contributor and their donations prove year after year that this program could not exist without them.”
2017 marks the 15th year the generous employees at WAP have donated to this important local program. Since 2002, they have filled over 80 minivans with toys valued at over $200,000.
“Over the years, as the program grew, Windsor Assembly’s donations grew too, and we’re incredibly grateful for this partnership,” Costello continued, “On behalf of the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services we would like to extend our gratitude to FCA employees for these last 15 years of generous support.”
Today, WAP employees and Unifor Local 444 members welcomed the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Chief Stephen Laforet, his team, and their mascot Sparky at the assembly plant’s main gates. They gathered there to see off the eight Chrysler Pacifica minivans filled with toys and destined for the Sparky’s Toy Drive collection centre. Over the days ahead, volunteers from the plant will come together to help sort and deliver toys to families throughout the community.
“Today’s event is a testament to the generosity of the 6,000 people working here at Windsor Assembly,” said Michael Brieda, Windsor Assembly Plant Manager. “I’m extremely proud that we’re celebrating our 15th year of donating to Sparky’s Toy Drive, and I consider myself fortunate to lead such a caring and talented workforce.”
The public is encouraged to join the cause and help local families by donating new, unopened toys or monetary gifts. Donations can be dropped off at any Windsor fire station throughout the city between now and December 23, 2017.
About FCA Canada
Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, FCA Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 92nd anniversary in 2017. FCA Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of FCA US LLC, a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA Canada has approximately 440 dealers and sells Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. In addition to its assembly facilities, which produce the Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Dodge Grand Caravan (Windsor), Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger (Brampton), FCA Canada operates an aluminum casting plant in Etobicoke, a research and development centre in Windsor, and has sales offices and parts distribution centers throughout the country.