By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Tilbury AutoShine has raised $1,680 for the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent, marking another community initiative led by owner Zach Chauvin, one of Tilbury’s youngest entrepreneurs.

The business contributed $20 from each detailing or ceramic coating appointment, generating $840. Long-time clients Mike and Tricia Montminy matched the amount, bringing the total to $1,680.

The fundraiser was inspired by Chauvin’s six-year-old brother, Zayde, who was diagnosed with autism at age two and continues to receive support from the Children’s Treatment Centre. The cause is personal for the family; their mother, Maria Chauvin, has worked for more than 20 years supporting individuals with special needs as Manager of Community Supports at Community Living Essex County.

A cheque presentation was held with Zach Chauvin, Zayde Chauvin and Erin Genge, Manager of Community Engagement and Events for the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent.

This marks the second recent community initiative for the business. In December, Tilbury AutoShine donated 20 per cent of all gift certificate sales to the Tilbury Information & H.E.L.P. Centre food bank, raising $1,510. That effort, sparked by a conversation between Chauvin and his father, Cory, set the tone for what he hopes will become a long-standing commitment to local giving.

Chauvin launched Tilbury AutoShine at age 16, beginning in his parents’ driveway before expanding to a mobile service and later opening a storefront at 2 Mill St. E. He has completed professional training across North America, including sessions in California, Toronto, Trenton, Florida and Kentucky.

Now 18, Chauvin says community support remains central to his work.

“Tilbury has always been good to me,” he said. “If I can give back — whether it’s supporting the food bank or raising money for autism services — that’s something I’ll continue to do.”

Chauvin plans to bring back the autism fundraiser next year and is exploring additional ways to support local causes.