CAA Niagara Officially Unveils Pen Centre Branch, Revealing Community Retail Space & New Charitable Partnership

THOROLD, ON (March 20, 2023) – CAA Niagara is proud to officially open the doors to its newest and largest Branch yet, located inside the Pen Centre across from the Passport Office. The new location offers extended evening hours, making it more accessible to both Members and the public. This marks the club’s second mall location, the first being inside Seaway Mall in Welland.

To celebrate this milestone, CAA Niagara is hosting a series of exciting events and giveaways over the next three weeks, from March 20 to April 7. Visitors can participate in travel and insurance information sessions, contests to win exciting getaways including a free cruise, and more. A full list of grand opening events can be found at CAA Niagara’s blog.

"CAA Niagara has a long and proud history in the St. Catharines community,” said Peter Van Hezewyk, President and CEO, CAA Niagara. “Our Lake Street location opened in the 1960s and acted as our headquarters for more than 30 years before we opened our office on Schmon Parkway. Closing the doors to our Lake Street Branch is bittersweet, but with every ending comes a new beginning and we’re excited about the all the opportunities that our new Pen Centre home brings.”

In addition to the grand opening celebrations, visitors can also explore the new Community Retail Space, which features merchandise from 16 different local businesses. The retail space was specifically designed to help businesses that operate outside the brick-and-mortar model spread awareness of their products, expand their customer base, and drive sales. A wide range of products are available, including candles, essential oils, soaps, décor, clothing, and leather products. CAA Members also receive a 15 percent discount on all merchandise purchased through the Community Retail Space.

Furthering its community efforts, CAA Niagara is also excited to announce its new partnership with Feed Niagara, a coalition of ten food banks across the Region. The club has committed to a donation of $100,000 in 2023 to help combat hunger in Niagara.

"Feed Niagara is extremely grateful for the tangible ‘boost’ received from CAA Niagara,” said Betty-Lou Souter, CEO of Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold. “It will enable the partners to leverage internal and external resources working together to reduce food insecurity across Niagara.”

Throughout the entire month of August, the club will also hold its second annual Big Food Boost, a community-wide food drive aimed at raising 10,000 lbs. of non-perishable goods. Monetary and food donations will be collected across CAA Niagara Branches, various Rewards and community partner locations, and at the CAA Mobile Branch, which will travel to different hot spots and events throughout the month. More information regarding this initiative will be available in the coming months.

“We’re so thrilled to be able to expand CAA Niagara’s community efforts,” said Michael Goodale, Board Chair, CAA Niagara. “The club launched Community Boost in 2019 as a way to make a bigger impact on charities in Niagara, and now, we’re able to take those efforts even further. By supporting local businesses and taking action on the hunger crisis, we hope to strengthen the fabric of our community and make Niagara a better place for all."

Learn more about CAA Niagara’s community initiatives by visiting caaniagara.ca/drivingchange.

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 and Grimsby. A not-for-profit membership organization, CAA Niagara, provides emergency road services, travel, insurance and Member rewards.

Please note, as of Friday, March 17th, the club’s Branch on Lake Street in St. Catharines has officially closed. The location on Schmon Parkway in Thorold has also been converted to an administrative office. Member services previously offered at both of these locations have been moved to the new Pen Centre Branch.

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