2026 Impact Awards Winner: Canadian Carwash Association

The Canadian Carwash Association (CCA), in partnership with the Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO), launched the annual Car Wash for a Cure initiative in 2023 to unite the Canadian car wash industry around a meaningful national cause: funding spinal cord research and raising awareness about injury prevention. 

The initiative was created in recognition of the strong connection between road safety and spinal cord injuries, nearly half of which are caused by motor vehicle crashes. As the only association dedicated exclusively to Canada’s car wash industry, the CCA saw an opportunity to mobilize its members and strengthen industry collaboration, while giving back to the communities they serve. 

Over a two-day national campaign in May, participating car washes engaged customers through fundraising activities, such as donating a portion of sales, collecting customer donations, hosting community events, inviting local leaders to participate and amplifying awareness through social media campaigns. 

The initiative has successfully increased community engagement, strengthened industry pride and generated support for CSRO’s mission to fund research aimed at curing paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries. 

Car wash associates, operators, customers and communities are actively involved through on-site events, promotional activities and educational outreach that creates both emotional connection and measurable impact. 

Moving forward, the CCA and CSRO aim to expand participation nationwide, grow corporate sponsorships and further increase awareness, while boosting fundraising for spinal cord injury prevention.