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Wakefield Oil Change Plus, a locally-owned quick lube and automotive repair business, donates to the Northern Cancer Fund.

Gary Linquist believes in keeping it local.

That’s why the owner of Wakefield Oil Change Plus donates a dollar from every oil change performed at his business to the Northern Cancer Fund, a part of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “If you’re getting an oil change, part of the proceeds are staying in the community,” says the business owner.

Linquist chose the Northern Cancer Fund, which is dedicated to supporting cancer care in Northwestern Ontario, because it is a disease that affects so many of us. Linquist has lost family members to cancer, including his uncle, Bob Weatherbee, who was the previous owner of Wakefield Oil Change Plus.

He believes our local hospital could be a bigger hub for cancer patients in the region. “So the more we’re raising money for it, the better for everybody,” he says.

Since the company started donations in May 2019, Wakefield Oil Change has given over $11,000 to the Northern Cancer Fund. The money goes toward local cancer screening and assessment, and the purchase of essential equipment needed for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Northwestern Ontario.

Linquist believes it’s important to local consumers that their money stays in the community. “We are a 100% locally owned company. I’m local, the employees are local, and we give back to local charities,” he says.

“I think the more local we can be in giving back to the community, the better,” he says. “If everyone contributes to build and improve our community, that can only have a positive effect on local businesses.”

Linquist is grateful that throughout the pandemic and its challenges, the people of Thunder are still keen to support local. “Occasionally someone comes through and asks if we’re a chain, and when we say no, they’re happy about it.” As a local business owner, he does his part as well. “We try to purchase through local distributors almost exclusively as well,” he explains.

Learn more about Wakefield Oil Change Plus and how they can help you by visiting https://www.wakefieldoil.ca/

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