Canada’s biggest paint store raises over $27,000 for breast cancer awareness and treatment.

F rilly bras and pink streamers swung from the ceiling at Steeles Paint, Canada’s biggest paint store, on the afternoon of Nov. 1, 2014. It was the day of the store’s final celebration after a month of hosting its second annual Give Pink campaign, during which $1 from every can of eco-friendly Benjamin Moore paint, Pittsburgh Paints or Para Paints zero-VOC paint sold was donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation — Ontario Region (CBCF). And the bras weren’t all: pink-themed sweets were packed on tables, a pink tractor was at the ready for kids to climb on and strike poses for their camera-wielding parents, airbrush tattoo artists graced guests’ arms with glittery artwork and a live DJ kept the music thumping as people of all ages trickled into the store to join in on the fun.

Steeles Paint owner Claudio Grisolia, a passionate advocate for the awareness and treatment of breast cancer, led the campaign once again with the goal to beat last year’s amount raised, which was over $25,000. In the middle of the party, Grisolia presented CBCF with a cheque for a whopping $27,450 — a sum that not only bested last year’s achievement, but brought the store’s total donation to over $50,000.

“It’s great to see everyone come out and show their support,” said Grisolia. “This is an incredible cause that we’re all really passionate about here at Steeles Paint, and we’re proud and honoured to be helping make a difference in the lives of those struggling with this horrible condition, and their families.”

In addition to the oodles of pink gumballs, sprinkled doughnut holes and temporary body art, guests also had the chance to buy a Give Pink T-shirt for $20, with all proceeds directed to the CBCF. Once purchased, guests posed with the T-shirt in the Steeles Paint’s angel-themed photo booth, and had their pictures posted on the store’s Wall of Angels. By the end of the day the Wall was overflowing.

Vaughan mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua was also in attendance, and he shared a few words to the crowd prior to the cheque presentation. “It’s a fantastic event that really speaks to the spirit of generosity in this city. Claudio really needs to be commended for his great efforts to raise awareness of cancer. It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together, a community that is defined by its motivation to bring positive change to people’s lives.”

The Steeles Paint team, as well as its supportive clients and sponsors, look forward to another successful Give Pink campaign in October 2015.
www.steelespaint.com