For over five decades, Bramgate Automotive has been serving automotive customers in our regional community. A family-owned and operated business, brothers Brad and Bill Johnston are now leading the charge with five successful dealerships in Mississauga, Brampton and GTA, motivated by a shared passion for giving back to the community that has showed them so much support over the years.
For the entire family, the company is not just a business. It is a community – where the leadership, a team of dedicated staff, and a loyal and socially responsible customer base are critical to their success.
Championing health care has always been a priority for the family, but over the past few years, it became more personal after losing their father and Bramgate Automotive founder, Bill Johnston Sr., to cancer in the fall of 2020.
“Our father had radiation appointments at Trillium Health Partners’ Credit Valley Hospital and our experience here and with the other hospitals he visited solidified our desire to support local health care in a bigger way. We’ve always been a family business and have always appreciated this community and so it was important for us to continue supporting charities in Peel region,” says Brad.
As proud business owners in both Brampton and Mississauga, the Johnston Family and Bramgate Automotive Inc. are committed to supporting each community. For years the Johnston family has been involved with various THP initiatives – from our Laugh out Loud Gala and Golf Classic, to sponsoring a complimentary coffee and tea day for our healthcare workers to lift their spirits during the pandemic.
Back in 2018, the company also launched a year-round charitable initiative where customers can shop with Bramgate Automotive’s dealerships knowing they are not only getting a quality vehicle and friendly service, but also helping to support the health of the communities they serve. For each vehicle purchased at Audi Mississauga Airport, Audi Mississauga Mavis, Audi Brampton, Bramgate Volkswagen and Bramgate Pre-Owned Centre; Bramgate Automotive donates fifty dollars to Trillium Health Partners Foundation and William Osler Health System Foundation to support important hospital and foundation initiatives.
“We have over 200 employees and we want our team to be proud to work here and to know that it is not Bill and I contributing, it’s Bramgate Automotive contributing,” says Brad of the importance of tying their fundraising efforts to the sales of their product.
This team-first, community-based approach to business has not only made them a gold standard in the corporate giving world, but has also put them on the map as a top tier employer. Bramgate Automotive is proud to be the recipient of several awards and accolades including DealerRater’s Canadian VW Dealer of the Year, Canadian AutoWorld’s Employer of Choice award, and Automotive News Canada’s Top 25 Best Dealerships To Work For. They are a testament to their strong corporate culture which Brad and Bill say reflects the impact of their philanthropic efforts.
“Brad and Bill and their father before them have created a culture of giving back. We all take great pride in that,” says Jeremy Boles, Bramgate Automotive’s marketing & business development director.
The company has a social committee responsible for putting together staff events, like holiday parties, which always incorporate a charitable component like a food bank donation or toy drive.
With such an engaged group of employees, Bill and Brad felt it important to foster this sense of charity by formally establishing the partnership with THP Foundation through the Bramgate Charitable Fund.
“When our father was in the hospital we were surrounded by all of the amazing hospital employees, and that really affirmed our decision to partner with our local hospitals,” says Bill.
After a pause he adds, “It just feels really good to give back.”
To learn more about our Bramgate Automotive dealerships in our community, visit: www.bramgateautomotive.com
Inspired by Bramgate Automotive and interested in becoming a Corporate Champion? Contact Kathleen Cymek for more information: Kathleen.Cymek@thp.ca