Oakville, Ontario -- Budds’ Collision Services welcomed the collision repair community to its annual holiday Pig Roast on Dec. 19, continuing a long-running tradition that blends seasonal celebration with industry connection and charitable giving.
Held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Budds’ South Service Road facility in Oakville, the event brought together shop owners, technicians, suppliers and partners for an afternoon centred on food, conversation and community. Guests gathered around the signature slow-roasted pig and a spread of seasonal fare while reconnecting with colleagues ahead of the holidays.
“It’s a Christmas celebration – but mostly it’s about Sam. Everyone who knew him knew he was special,” said Tom Langton, advisor at Consolidated Dealers. “He was feisty, kind-hearted and forward thinking.”
Proceeds from the pig roast support the Sam Piercey Foundation alongside United Way, continuing Budds’ commitment to giving back both within the collision repair sector and the broader community.
“Everyone has a responsibility to give back to their community. Suppliers, competitors, insurers and employees of past, present and hopefully future are here,” said Darryll O’Keefe, vice-president of strategic business development at Fix Network. “Fix network has always been happy to support Budd's initiative to support the legacy of Sam Piercey and the work he did for apprentices.”
The Sam Piercey Foundation honours the legacy of Sam Piercey, a longtime industry advocate, former Budds’ Collision leader and former writer for Collision Repair Magazine. Piercey was known for his passion for storytelling within the trade and for championing opportunities for young people entering the industry. Following his passing, the foundation was established to carry that commitment forward by supporting apprentices and emerging talent pursuing careers in collision repair.
“This is our way of giving back to the industry. Sam was such a titan and we have to keep his legacy alive and remember him any way we can. It’s been 10 years since his passing, but he’ll never be forgotten,” said J.R Martino, general manager at Budd’s Collision.
Beyond the charitable focus, the event offered attendees time to network, share stories from the year and celebrate the resilience of an industry navigating ongoing change.
