Image: Coralee Grimm via CultureCo., used with permission / Bannister Chilliwack has raised enough money to purchase a life-saving ventilator at Chilliwack General Hospital through a generous donation to the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation. Pictured are Leanna Kemp, GM Brian Westwell of Bannister, and Harry Geddes; Kemp and Geddes are board members with the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Bannister Chilliwack

Chilliwack dealerships fund life-saving equipment at Chilliwack Hospital through donation to Chilliwack Hospital Foundation

May 8, 2024 | 10:24 AM

CHILLIWACK — Bannister Chilliwack has raised enough money from sales at its Chilliwack car dealerships to purchase a life-saving ventilator at Chilliwack General Hospital through a generous donation to the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation.

“We donated $100 for every vehicle we sold in the first 3 months of the year,” Bannister executive manager Brian Westwell wrote in an email to Fraser Valley Today. “This was supported by the sales team at each of the 4 locations: Bannister GM, Bannister Hyundai, Bannister Kia, and Bannister Nissan. I am very proud of the staff for their support on this community initiative. They set a goal to raise enough money for a ventilator and they achieved it. It is very special to work with people that take pride in their community and give back.”

Westwell was recently joined by Chilliwack residents Leanna Kemp, executive director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, and Harry Geddes, both from the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation, to announce the contribution of $57,300.

Bannister Automotive Group is a large, progressive dealer group with locations in the Okanagan Valley, Columbia-Shuswap, Peace Region, Kootenays, Yellowhead County, and the Fraser Valley.

Bannister has given back to the Chilliwack community in big ways. In March 2023, the Bannister Auto Group of Chilliwack made a significant donation of $100,000 towards the largest project in the nearly 100-year history of Chilliwack Community Services (CCS), the Paramount Building project.

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Image: Coralee Grimm via CultureCo., used with permission / The staff at Bannister Chilliwack stand next to a cheque for $57,300 to the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation to purchase a ventilator at Chilliwack General Hospital.

“The Paramount Project is the result of our vision to help our community to address housing affordability, particularly for seniors and young adults,” the Facebook post from Bannister Hyundai Chilliwack stated. “CCS has a long history of providing safe and affordable housing through our Village Olympic Project, and this project builds on our commitment to housing. Through this project, we are providing 66 units of housing, 58 for seniors and eight for young adults, comprised of units running from deep subsidy to under-market rent prices. We are also able through the Paramount Project to bring together staff of CCS to one location on the first two floors. CCS is also committed to the downtown and to being part of its amazing redevelopment through the efforts of the City and CEPCO.”

In December 2023, Bannister announced that it raised over $78,000 for the Chilliwack Salvation Army by donating $100 from every car the company sold.

“Thank you to the sales team for your hard work; we’ve made a significant impact on local families in need,” Bannister Kia said in December 2023. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to making a positive difference in our community and have exciting plans for the new year. Thanks to everyone who supported us—your contributions have transformed lives and strengthened our community bond. Cheers to a future of continued compassion, collaboration, and positive change!”

The Chilliwack Salvation Army returned the favor with its own expression of gratitude in December 2023.

“We are blown away by the generosity and hard work of the Bannister Auto Group team, who donated $100 from every car they sold from August to November to raise money for the Salvation Army Food Bank!! We are incredibly grateful for the support of all 4 Bannister dealerships, and we are exciting to continue working with you!” Chilliwack Salvation Army wrote on Facebook.

For dealership contact information and more, visit www.bannisters.com.