The Caliber family of automotive repair and service brands, including Caliber Collision and Caliber Auto Glass, recently concluded its annual Restoring You™ Food Drive, generating more than $1.3 million in monetary donations and collecting more than 8.5 million meals. The campaign, which ran from May 5 to June 20, far surpassed its goal of 6 million meals and will benefit more than 200 food banks across 41 states where Caliber operates.
This initiative highlights a growing trend within the collision repair industry: companies leveraging their extensive networks and operational capabilities for broader social impact. For shops, such programs can enhance brand reputation, foster employee engagement and potentially improve customer loyalty — all factors that contribute to long-term profitability and sustainability.
Caliber's sustained commitment to combating food insecurity, with more than 44 million meals contributed in 14 years, reflects a philanthropic movement gaining traction within the automotive aftermarket. While the primary focus of collision repair remains vehicle restoration, these community-driven efforts demonstrate a sector increasingly aware of its societal footprint.
Engaging in large-scale community initiatives, while primarily altruistic, can also offer tangible business advantages for collision repair shops. For collision repair businesses, demonstrating a commitment to community welfare can differentiate them in a competitive market. This can lead to increased customer retention and attract top talent.
David Simmons, CEO of Caliber, emphasized the deep commitment of his teammates to the communities they serve.
"While delivering exceptional service and repairs remains our top priority, we also recognize the urgent and often overlooked crisis of hunger," Simmons said. He added that Caliber’s mission extends beyond restoring vehicles; it’s about restoring lives.
Food insecurity is a significant challenge in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 18 million households in the U.S. face food insecurity, affecting almost 7 million children and more than 50 million people requiring food assistance. This pervasive issue creates a clear opportunity for corporations with extensive reach, like those in the collision repair industry, to make a meaningful difference. The sheer volume of meals donated by Caliber highlights the potential impact when large enterprises mobilize resources.
Simmons attributed the success of the drive to the "power of compassion and community in action" and the "spirit of helping others that Caliber’s teammates and customers alike share.”
This sentiment aligns with broader economic trends indicating that consumers increasingly favor businesses that exhibit strong corporate social responsibility. A 2024 report by the Edelman Trust Barometer revealed that 88% of consumers worldwide expect brands to address societal issues. For collision repair shops, this means that community involvement can be a powerful tool not just for goodwill, but also for building a resilient customer base.
