Page 14 - July-August 2025 REPORTER - optimized

INDUSTRY NEWS

for RONA to support fellow citizens who
are impacted. But when tragedy strikes at
home, I must admit that it gives a whole new
meaning to our commitment,” said J.P. Towner,
President and CEO of RONA inc.
RONA received word that Krista and
the children had been evacuated and were
safe, while Matthew chose to stay behind to
help firefighters and offer his support to the
community.
“As I often say, our dealers are people
with big hearts who do what they do because
they want to help their peers and contribute
to building stronger communities. Matt is
the perfect example of this. I take my hat
off to him for his courage and exemplary
dedication,” said Alain Ménard, Senior Vice-
President, RONA Affiliated Dealers, RONA inc.
roina announcements Giving back to those who build this country “To see the fruit of your labour go up in flames
and keep it running and still choose to help is simply remarkable.
Through this initiative, RONA gave I want to tell Matt and Krista that our hearts
valuable ad space to nine businesses in the go out to them and their employees, and that
province of Ontario until July 20. “We chose RONA will be there in the weeks and months
to focus our efforts in Ontario since it’s been to come to support them through this ordeal
hit the hardest by the recent tariffs due to and help them get back on their feet,” he
its standing in international trade with the added.
RONA Gives Away Ad Space to Support Local United States, especially in the automotive Those who wish to make a donation for
Trades Businesses and metal sectors,” said Laporte. The selected victims of the forest fires can do so on the
The company aims to provide added businesses, which are based in three markets Canadian Red Cross website or in a RONA+
visibility to local businesses to help them (the Greater Toronto Area, Southwestern or RONA corporate store in Alberta, Manitoba
through these uncertain economic times Ontario, and the Durham region), will all see and Saskatchewan.
At a time when economic conditions are their visibility increase thanks to an ad offered
putting pressure on Canadian companies, by RONA that will feature their name and logo. RONA Woodlawn Celebrates its Grand
RONA inc. is launching an initiative to support Find out which businesses were selected at Opening
local businesses that are part of the home ronacanadiantrades.ca. RONA inc. congratulates Andrew Doidge,
improvement industry. Since June 23rd, the President and CEO of Doidge Building Centres
retailer, who celebrated its 85th anniversary RONA Mobilized in Support of Communities Ltd, and the RONA Woodlawn team on the
last fall, has given away 85% of its ad space to Affecteded by Forest Fires in Western Canada Grand Opening of this new RONA store in
nine local trades businesses in Ontario. RONA inc. has once again this year given Ontario. To mark the occasion, leaders from
“The current geopolitical and economic a helping hand to communities affected by RONA’s dealer support team, partners and
situation allows us to demonstrate the role forest fires in Western Canada. Until June 30, the RONA Woodlawn team gathered for a
we’re playing in Canada’s economy. We have 2025, RONA+ and RONA corporate stores traditional board-cutting ceremony.
been part of the Canadian landscape for in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan The store underwent a complete makeover
over 85 years, which is in large part thanks to collected donations for victims of the forest since it was acquired by Doidge Building
tradespeople who trust us to help them carry fires that have raged in these provinces. Centres Ltd in the summer of 2024. The
out their projects. It’s only natural for us to The RONA Foundation then donated these shopping experience has been thoroughly
give back when they are facing hardships,” funds to the Canadian Red Cross, which enhanced, with improved services and
said Catherine Laporte, Senior Vice-President, provides immediate and ongoing assistance product offerings to meet the needs of the
Marketing and Customer Experience at to Canadians in need. This is their third local community. For instance, brands that are
RONA inc. “Earlier this year, we renewed our campaign of this kind. popular with both DIYers and pros are now
partnership with ‘Well Made Here’ to help more prominently featured, such as Onward
better showcase Canadian-made products. Leading with heart, even when tragedy and Richelieu hardware products, EGO
Now, we are turning our attention to local strikes outdoor power equipment like lawnmowers,
entrepreneurs, who are instrumental in This fundraising campaign truly hit hedge trimmers and snowblowers, Johns
building thriving communities and a strong home, as RONA learned that one of its Manville insulation products, Sico paint and
Canadian economy. This is just another way affiliated dealer stores, RONA La Ronge in Rustoleum spray paint, Milwaukee tools, and
for us to stand with the communities that are Saskatchewan, owned by Matthew Klassen much more. RONA’s private brands, such as
building this country—one job, one project, and Krista Funk, was destroyed by fire. VALU+, have also been added to the store’s
one day at a time,” she added. “Each year, forest fires cause thousands of selection. The store, which now offers free
victims across the country, and it’s important estimates and same-day delivery, also boasts

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