The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association is issuing a final call for prize donations for its employee scholarship fundraiser ahead of its Convention and Trade Show.
"We have about 22 Prizes, and we generally run with 40," said Steve Fletcher, the former executive director of the OARA in an email to members."
Fletcher added that without additional contributions, the association will be required to purchase items in order for the event to move forward.
Cash donations have already been received from several organizations, including A&L Auto Recyclers, Carcone’s Auto Recycling, Corey Auto Wreckers, Dom’s Auto Parts, Doug’s Auto Parts, JS Truckmart, LKQ Ottawa and S&S Auto Parts.
Car-Part.com, Copart, eBay Motors, Erin Auto Wreckers, Freightcom, Glencoe Auto Recyclers, Hanks Auto Wreckers, Hotch’s Auto Parts, IAA, J&B Auto Recyclers, Miller’s Auto Recycling, Plazek Auto Recyclers, Profit Team Consulting, Temp Alert, Thorold Automotive Solutions and Valley Automotive also provided financial contributions in lieu of prizes.
The Friday evening fundraiser supports the OARA Employee Scholarship Program.
“Can’t donate? There will be plenty of opportunities to bid on items, buy some funny money to play the casino, or donate through our in trade show booths... and IAA’s draw for Honda products),” said Steve Fletcher in the call for donations.
The auction has become a fixture of the OARA convention’s Friday night reception, typically combining a live auction with silent auction elements and casino-style fundraising. In past years, prizes have ranged from tools and shop equipment to travel packages, electronics and industry services, with bidding activity concentrated during the evening networking event.
Proceeds are directed toward scholarships for employees and family members of OARA member companies, supporting post-secondary education and skills training tied to the automotive and recycling sectors.
The convention opens on March 26 with a facility tour at Carcone’s Auto Recycling in Aurora, followed by committee meetings and an industry stakeholder roundtable that brings together recyclers, insurers, repairers and association leaders.
Friday’s program will feature a keynote address from Zee Hamid, Ontario’s associate solicitor general for auto theft and bail reform, focusing on enforcement and policy developments related to vehicle theft. His appearance follows a stakeholder coalition panel with representatives from OARA, the Used Car Dealers Association, the Ontario Tire Dealers Association, the Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada, the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries and the Automotive Industries Association, examining coordination across the automotive sector.
Ryan Mandell will present on recycled parts trends across recyclers, repairers and insurers as part of a combined data-focused session, alongside a broader data deep dive examining market conditions and performance indicators.
Additional sessions will address operational topics including data use in yard management, sales strategies and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on recycler performance.
Saturday programming will focus on hands-on training, with vendor-led demonstrations covering electric vehicle handling and safety, VIN identification and matching, and tools aimed at improving efficiency and parts recovery.
The trade show, which is sold out, runs alongside Friday and Saturday programming and will feature product and service launches, with more than 300 delegates registered from across Canada representing recycling, insurance, OEM and repair sectors.
