Random Acts of Shineness Tour Rewards Canadians for Making a Difference in the Lives of Others

Coast-to-Coast Trip Rooted in Charitable Giving

HAMILTON, ON, June 24, 2014 /CNW/ - CARSTAR Collision and Glass (CARSTAR), Canada's leading national automotive repair franchise, today announced the launch of a cross-Canada Random Acts of Shineness Tour (RAOS) which seeks to recognize and reward passionate Canadians who go above and beyond the call of duty to help and support their friends, family members and communities. Throughout the months of June, July, August and September, Canadians who deserve praise for the thankless acts of kindness they perform can nominate themselves – or can be nominated by others – online at www.actsofshineness.com or via the CARSTAR Canada Facebook page for a chance to win a $2,500 personalized prize* to recognize their contributions to their community and a $2,500 donation to their charity of their choosing.

Born out of CARSTAR's own chartable initiatives, the Random Acts of Shineness Tour also aims to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Over the last 15 years, CARSTAR, its franchisees, partners and employees have raised over $2 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. In 2014, CARSTAR has committed to raising a total of $200,000 through RAOS and other initiatives.

"At CARSTAR, we pride ourselves on giving back to communities where we do business and to the great organizations across the country that support people in need," explained Chris Moore, National Marketing Director, CARSTAR Collision and Glass Repair. "For over 15 years we've worked with Cystic Fibrosis Canada to raise funds and awareness for the cause and will continue to do so for years to come. This relationship serves as the basis for our new Random Acts of Shineness program."

Canadians who are interested in nominating themselves or a Shining Star they know can do so by visiting www.actsofshineness.com or the CARSTAR Facebook page, completing the nomination form and uploading it through the RAOS portal. Successful submissions will explain specifically what the nominee does to make a difference in someone's life or in their communities and therefore why they're deserving of the award.

"We know there are plenty of Canadians out there who either perform acts of kindness or know someone who does because they fundamentally believe in helping other people. These are the people we're seeking out and are looking to recognize," said Moore. "We'll be looking for these Shining Stars but also travelling across the country performing random acts of kindness along with our franchise partners to raise additional dollars for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. We're really excited to see the nominations start rolling in and think Canadians will be too."

In addition to the online component of the program, a two-member CARSTAR Ambassador team is embarking on a coast-to-coast tour stopping in local communities performing random acts of kindness. For fans looking to engage with the Ambassador team, who will be driving cross-country in a 'blinged-out' Jeep Compass donated by Discount Car and Truck Rentals, they're advised to stay connected to the Facebook page for upcoming stops, dates and times.  

The nomination phase of the program will culminate on August 27^th and will be followed by a two-pronged voting process. In the first week following the nomination phase, fans, friends and family members will have the opportunity to vote for their top submissions. After the first phase of voting is complete, a panel of judges comprising members from CARSTAR, Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats will personally review and select five (5) regional winners. Both Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are long-time partners of CARSTAR.

"We have been working with CARSTAR for over 10 years and have always been encouraged by their commitment and passion to helping raises awareness for the fight against Cystic Fibrosis," said Anthony Keating, Director of Fund Development at Cystic Fibrosis Canada. "This program marks another positive step forward for our team and we're proud to be part of the journey."

"Working with partners like CARSTAR who also pride themselves in giving back to the community makes our involvement in this program an easy choice," said Glenn Gibson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Hamilton Tiger-Cats. "We look forward to seeing the nominations as we know this country is full of kind-hearted people."

For more information on the Random Acts of Shineness Tour or to locate dates and times of the Ambassador tour, please visit www.actsofshineness.com or visit www.facebook.com/CARSTARAutomotiveCanada

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About CARSTAR Collision & Glass
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 200 locations throughout 10 province and repairs approximately 100,000 vehicles annually with exceptionally high customer experience ratings. Through a variety of fundraising initiatives, CARSTAR, its franchisees, partners and employees have raised over $2 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. In 2014, CARSTAR was first recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for its third consecutive year .For more information, please visit www.carstar.ca or on social media at:

• Twitter: @Carstarcanada
• Facebook: /CARSTARAutomotiveCanada

About Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world's top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and is an internationally-recognized leader in funding CF research, innovation, and clinical care. We invest more funding in life-saving CF research and care than any other non-governmental agency in Canada. Since 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has invested more than $150 million in leading research and care, resulting in one of the world's highest survival rates for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. For more information, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca

About The Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a rich 145-year history, which includes 15 Grey Cup Championships. For more information log onto www.ticats.ca

About Discount Car and Truck Rental
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Toronto, Discount Car and Truck Rentals is a nationally recognized brand operating off-airport and neighbourhood rental locations in Canada. With over 300 neighbourhood branch offices located within 15 minutes from 90 percent of the Canadian population, Discount is proud to be the largest vehicle rental company in Canada owned by Canadians. Discount is known for renting cars and trucks of all makes and models, from economy cars to luxury brands; and cargo vans to 5-ton trucks. Its commitment to quality and superior customer service is unmatched in the Canadian rental industry. Discount is proud to have originated picking up and dropping off its clients at no extra cost. In 2010, Discount was named one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures TM; was a Platinum award winner for 2011 and 2012, and was just recently named one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ again in 2013. Discount has also won the Consumer's Choice Award for Business Excellence for 14 consecutive years. In November 2013, Discount Car and Truck Rentals formed a global alliance with Europcar making international rentals easier for Canadian clients. For more information about Discount, visit www.discountcar.com.

*CARSTAR will provide a personalized prize valued at $2,500 to five (5) regional Shining Star recipients.  Specific prizing will be determined with each recipient, depending on his/her wishes, and may include cash, gifts or experiences valued at a total of $2,500.  

SOURCE: CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres

Media Contacts: Danielle Boucher, CARSTAR, 905-388-2264 ext. 231 / [email protected]; Alex Thomas, PRAXIS, 416-617-4498 / [email protected]