Fix Network has surpassed $1 million raised for Ronald McDonald House Canada since 2016, reaching the milestone during its 2026 National Conference at the Fairmont Banff Springs through the auction of a restored Firebird once owned by Mike Hall of the TV series Rust Valley Restorers.
The vehicle, originally part of Hall’s “Field of Dreams” collection, underwent a full restoration led by Fix Network’s corporate team alongside franchise and vendor partners. The project became one of the highlights of the conference and capped off years of fundraising efforts supporting Ronald McDonald House Canada through golf tournaments, regional meetings, shop fundraisers and charity auctions nationwide.
“Reaching this lifetime milestone for Ronald McDonald House Canada is an incredible achievement and a powerful reflection of the generosity and dedication of the entire Fix Network family,” said Steve Leal, president and CEO of Fix Network.
“Family is at the core of our corporate values, and we have tremendous respect for the vital work Ronald McDonald House Canada does to support families facing unimaginable challenges. Through initiatives like the Firebird restoration and auction, as well as grassroots fundraising at the shop level, our network has shown what is possible when we come together for families who need it most.”
The Firebird project was first conceived by Daryll O’Keefe, vice-president of North America strategic business development, during a breakfast conversation with Hall. After the restoration was completed, O’Keefe drove the vehicle along Route 66 to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas before it returned to Calgary ahead of the national conference.
“The Firebird gave us an opportunity to bring our people, franchise partners and vendor suppliers together around a project that showcased their talent while supporting a cause that means so much to our network,” said O’Keefe. “Driving the completed vehicle along Route 66 to the SEMA Show was an unforgettable experience, but seeing it become part of our fundraising efforts for Ronald McDonald House Canada, and ultimately helping us reach the $1 million milestone, was truly the cherry on top.”
The restoration journey was documented in Good Will Driving, a YouTube series featured on the Fix Network Canada YouTube channel.
“When a child is critically sick or injured, having a well-cared for family by their side is everything,” said Leslie Hederson, director of national partnerships and philanthropy for Ronald McDonald House Canada. “Thanks to the continued and growing support from the Fix Network community, families can stay together, surrounded by essential support and resources so they can focus on what matters most -- their child’s health.”
