2024 marked a monumental milestone for all of us at Lordco Auto Parts as we celebrated 50 years of serving Western Canada’s automotive and local communities. From our humble beginnings in 1974 to becoming Canada’s biggest independently owned auto parts retailer, this anniversary was a chance to reflect, celebrate, and give back.

We kicked off the year by unveiling a bold 50th-anniversary logo expressing our rich history and innovative spirit. The excitement carried into February when we hosted “Flaunt Your Flannel,” a community bonding event held on game night in partnership with the much-loved Abbotsford Canucks.

Spring roared in with the sound of engines marking the start of the Lordco Racing Sponsorship Program. Over 500 racing drivers and teams from across British Columbia and Alberta applied. Hundreds were accepted—including ProAM driver Matt Rusiecki. Matt started the season strong with a big win at the Evergreen NW Drift Series Round #1 in Monroe, Washington. He bookended his victory with another first-place finish at DriftCon 2024 at Evergreen Speedway in late September.

Matt Rusiecki for the win / Photagrapher: Darryl Benz

In April, the Lordco Auto Parts 34th Annual Tradeshow brought together thousands of automotive industry professionals, business owners and suppliers to learn about the latest automotive technology and network with others in the industry.

Community outreach activities remained constant throughout the rest of the year. Our sponsorship of the Lordco Outdoor Stage at the Cloverdale Rodeo in May marked the beginning of our summer programs, paving the way for a season filled with car shows and events across British Columbia and Alberta. From local gatherings to large celebrations, our events team travelled to small towns and large cities, connecting with automotive enthusiasts.

Goodfellas Speed Shop Young Guns Award Winner

Hoops in the Loops

As summer unfolded, we celebrated the joy of road trips and long weekends in partnership with our CFL-sponsored teams—the BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, and Edmonton Elks. Special giveaways and contests brought smiles to participating sports fans and customers, emphasizing the shared passion for sports that thrives in every community.

Our dedication to community giving shined brightly in August. We teamed up with CARPAK Distributing Corp. to host Stan Kingshott’s West Coast Classic golf tournament at the Vancouver Golf Club. With the generosity of attendees from the automotive industry, we raised $140,000 for nine BC charities, showcasing the strength of collaboration within the automotive industry.

The goodwill carried into fall as we sponsored the Langley Good Times Cruise-In, one of Canada’s largest mixed car shows. The event drew thousands of classic car enthusiasts and has received accolades from automotive legend Dennis Gage of My Classic Car, but, more importantly, the event raised over $94,000 for local charities.

The philanthropic work continued into October and our partnership with the Vancouver Canucks to host the Lordco Minor Hockey Contest. Through the annual contest, we provide grants to help teams at all levels purchase new gear or cover tournament fees or other team costs. Winners had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to skate at Rogers Arena, meet Vancouver Canucks Alumni & Team Ambassador Kirk McLean, and create memories to last a lifetime.

As the year wound down, we took centre stage (literally) by sponsoring the Lordco Auto Parts Block Party for football fans from coast to coast at the 2024 Grey Cup Festival.

Our 50th anniversary celebrations came to close with 12 Days of Giveaways, our most popular annual contest and a seasonal celebration that brings joy to our customers during the holidays.

This past year was a testament to the incredible journey we’ve shared with our customers, staff, and partners over the past five decades. We celebrated 50 years of growth, innovation, and community throughout the year, and we’re excited to continue driving forward, fueled by the same passion and dedication that started it all.

Here’s to the next 50 years of excellence, service, and community.