The Pat and Diana Priestner Family, Orillia Chevrolet, 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.
Orillia Chevrolet Cares
We're Proud to Support
The Sharing Place
The Sharing Place Food Centre provides food support, community programs and essential resources to individuals and families across Orillia and the surrounding area.
Orillia Chevrolet has supported The Sharing Place through annual GivingTuesday campaigns, community food drives and matching donations. In 2025, the dealership committed up to $25,000 in matching donations to help increase the impact of every community contribution.
Orillia Lighthouse
The Lighthouse provides shelter, supportive housing, community meals, outreach services and additional assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Orillia Chevrolet has supported The Lighthouse and its work helping vulnerable members of the community access safe housing, essential services and a path toward greater stability.
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation
The Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation raises funds for equipment, programs and services that help strengthen local healthcare.
Orillia Chevrolet has supported the Foundation’s Infinite Possibility Fund, which helps expand access to mental health programs and services within the community.
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 Orillia Chevrolet's charitable giving initiatives and CanadaOne Cares, please contact Lauren Becker or fill out the form below.