The Pat and Diana Priestner Family, Baytowne Hyundai, 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.
Baytowne Hyundai Cares
We're Proud to Support
Candle Lighters Simcoe
Baytowne Hyundai is proud to donate $10,000 to Candlelighters Simcoe. Candlelighters Simcoe is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization with a mandate to provide support services to families impacted by childhood cancer in Simcoe County and the surrounding area. Our programs are designed to address the complex emotional, academic, financial, and practical challenges associated with a pediatric cancer diagnosis, easing the burden of children and their families.
Women & Children's Shelter of Barrie
Baytowne Hyundai is excited to donate $10,000 to The Women & Children's Shelter of Barrie. The Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie has been providing shelter and support services to abused women and children since 1981. The agency consists of a 29 bed crisis shelter along with Outreach services onsite. Approximately 1,000 women and children are assisted by the agency annually. In addition to shelter, staff provide individual and group counselling, legal information and support, court support, information about violence against women, referrals to other community and social services, and public education in the community.
Child & Youth Advocacy Center Simcoe
Baytowne Hyundai is proud to donate $10,000 to the Child & Youth Advocacy Center. The CYAC provides a safe space and a specialized care team for children, youth, their families and caregivers who have been impacted by abuse and/or trauma. As an internationally recognized, best practice model to address child abuse, a CYAC brings multiple sectors, within a community (capacity), together using a trauma-informed, community assets lens. Trauma-informed, (ensuring minimal re-victimization through a healing model) community capacity building is a framework that creates and encourages resilient healing for the child or youth and their families within their own communities. How effective the supports are to the child and family often determine how well the family heals and remains a productive member of a healthy 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 Baytowne Hyundai's charitable giving initiatives and CanadaOne Cares, please contact Lauren Becker or fill out the form below.