Universal Ford partners with Magic of Christmas on charitable campaign
Universal Ford Lincoln is one of Calgary’s most storied dealerships, with a rich history stretching back to the 1940s.
The company’s ownership may have changed hands a few times over the decades. And certainly, so too have the automobiles, with the many technological advances. But one thing hasn’t: the dealership’s commitment to excellence.
Indeed, the fact the dealership has been a pillar of the business community in the city for decades speaks to its ability to serve its customers well, and keep them coming back for generations. More recently, however, the dealership has also sought to give back to the city that has helped it grow over the years.
Key to this new direction is Universal Ford Lincoln’s recent partnership with The Magic of Christmas, a Calgary charity with a 30-year track record of brightening the holidays for families facing economic challenges.
“We’re really proud to be teaming up with The Magic of Christmas, and thrilled that we can continue to meaningfully impact the lives of Calgarians in need,” says Shawn Dinner, general manager at Universal Ford Lincoln.
“What’s more, we’re happy that we’re embarking on this giving campaign with our new ownership group.”
Universal Ford Lincoln recently joined the Kaizen Automotive Group, which owns eight dealerships in the city.
“Kaizen Automotive Group is also deeply committed to giving back to the community,” says Adrienne Buhr, marketing manager with the organization.
In fact, all of Kaizen’s dealerships across Calgary and area, including Country Hills Hyundai, Country Hills Nissan, CMP Automotive, Okotoks GM, Shaw GMC, Strathmore Ford and Sunridge Nissan, are working with The Magic of Christmas to help Calgarians in need.
Building on Kaizen’s recent support for breast cancer research through its Kaizen Auto Drive Pink, which wrapped up this fall, the automotive group’s latest effort involving The Magic of Christmas entails Universal Ford Lincoln and the other Kaizen dealerships serving as drop-off points for donated unwrapped toys and other goods for the holiday season.
“Then Magic of Christmas volunteers deliver it all on Christmas Eve,” Buhr says. “They go out on city transit buses, also donating their services, to deliver gift packages to families in need across Calgary, brightening the season for about 6,000 to 7,000 people in one night.”
This year marks the first time Kaizen dealerships will play the role of Santa’s little helper with The Magic of Christmas. As well, it is also the first holiday season Universal will celebrate as a member of the Kaizen family.
“Universal is a great fit with Kaizen because as a Ford dealership, it adds to the lineup of accessible brand automobiles we offer to Calgarians,” Buhr says.
Started as a service station in 1942 by Basil V. French, Universal Ford Lincoln has operated out of a few different locations, including a stateof-the-art dealership on 5th Avenue in the 1950s that featured a rooftop parking lot for new cars and an underground service garage.
Dinner notes that while Universal Ford has assisted Calgarians for more than 70 years in finding the right vehicle at the right price, it looks forward to widening its reach.
“With Kaizen, we see our role as bigger than selling cars; it’s also about pitching in to help folks facing difficult times.”
At its current location on Barlow Trail, Universal Ford is proud to embark on a new journey, building on its history that indeed reflects the growth of Calgary itself, Buhr says.
“Only now it’s further enhanced through our new relationship with Kaizen Automotive Group and organizations like The Magic of Christmas,” says Dinner.
To support The Magic of Christmas, drop off your gift at Universal Ford Lincoln, 2800 Barlow Trail N.E.