Charity, Community and Cars – Mississauga’s Ron Starr

No doubt about it, Ron Starr’s 1958 Super ‘88 Oldsmobile is a classic and often referred to as a “Chrome Wagon.” This 5,000 pound hardtop is the epitome of the 50’s; big engines, loads of glitter and a real gas-guzzler.  Ron’s interest in cars started as a teenager as he owned a 1951 Ford before he had a driver’s licence.                                                      

Now a grandfather, Ron is passing on his love for classic automobiles to his grandsons; Liam, Aeden, and Jake.  As the owner of 11 classics ranging from a 1933 Dodge to a 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am, the grandkids are sharing Ron’s passion by picking favourites.

In addition to collecting classic cars, Ron is the Ward 6 Councillor for Mississauga and was Ward 7 Councillor in the late 1970’s.  Hazel McCallion personally encouraged him to run for Council due to his extensive background in business, having managed, and/or participated in $1 billion of completed building projects. 

Ron says his interest in politics is a result of his years of experience with large-scale project management and working with people.  As a professional engineer, he has a way of taking a big problem and breaking it down into manageable steps.  Starr says “I want to help residents, understand how municipal government works.”

He also has a heart for giving back; a true believer in volunteerism and magnanimity of charitable works, he sat on many boards including Credit Valley Hospital, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga Board of Trade and several other causes.

He’s notably known for his popular backyard garden party fundraiser, Starr’s on the Credit, which has raised a million dollars for charity since 2004.

In 2016, the Starr family named ErinoakKids as the beneficiary of their annual fundraiser; hosting more than 350 guests in his backyard to enjoy food donated by local restaurants, live entertainment and to engage in auctions.

ErinoakKids is Ontario’s largest children’s treatment centre, now serving almost 17,000 children and youth each year in Peel, Halton and Dufferin County.  It provides a broad range of medical, therapeutic and support services to children with physical and developmental disabilities, autism, communication disorders, and children who are deaf or blind. 

However, the Starr Family’s philanthropic giving did not end there.  They would go on to name ErinoakKids as the event beneficiary for two more years, bringing their total to ErinoakKids to more than $450,000.  Councillor Starr and his family continue to support ErinoakKids and children with disabilities.

Ron says if there is one message he would like to leave people with, it is to encourage them to volunteer and do things in the community to give back. 
“In the long run, that’s what you’ll be remembered for – making a difference,” says Ron definitively.