Our History
As Canada’s workforce ages, the country faces a shortage of skilled trade professionals. Canadians may not be aware of the many opportunities out there or may have limited access to tools, technology and hands-on experiences. The foundation has recognized the need to encourage Canadian youth to consider the trades as a rewarding career choice. Each year in September, we run an in-store fundraising campaign to support trades education.
Since 2007, the Princess Auto Foundation has offered financial help to qualified students enrolled in full-time pre-employment programs, and has distributed millions of dollars in bursaries to support them at our numerous partner colleges across Canada.
Who We Support
The foundation’s goal is to support trades training and continuing education in every province.
In 2025, we’re proud to expand our impact by welcoming four Quebec colleges to our growing list of partner institutions, located in in Saint-Eustache, Mirabel, Deux-Montagnes and Sainte-Thérèse. This marks a significant milestone for the foundation, as our support now reaches students in every province from coast to coast.
This expansion is especially meaningful given Princess Auto’s strong customer base they’ve had in Quebec for decades — long before Princess Auto opened their first store there in 2019. With nine Princess Auto Quebec locations now serving a wide range of industries across the province, we’re committed to supporting Quebec’s trades community and helping build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals.
We hope this next step generates excitement, drives awareness of the foundation, and encourages even more Quebecers to pursue fulfilling careers in the trades.
About Us
The Princess Auto Foundation recognizes the need to support Canadian youth who are considering a career in trades and technology, but face financial limitations to get started. By supporting the Princess Auto Foundation, you help a future tradesperson build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
While there are many worthwhile programs and charities, the Princess Auto Foundation has chosen to focus on skilled trades and technology programs as a way of supporting their future, and to give back to an industry that has long supported the retail company Princess Auto, who started the foundation.
Our Process
Specifically, we are focused on programs that include, but are not limited to:
· Welding
· Aircraft Maintenance
· Motive Power
· Engineering
· Technology
· Carpentry
· Electrical
· Plumbing
· Metal Machining and Fabrication
· HVAC
Recipients must show an unmet financial need and strong academic skills which would give them a high probability of successfully completing their chosen program. After recipients are selected, all partner colleges associated with the Princess Auto Foundation will administer their own awards.
Students are encouraged to speak with instructors and their chosen college’s financial aid office for information regarding the Princess Auto Foundation’s qualification details and application forms.
Who We Are
-
Harold Romanychyn
DIRECTOR
Harold began his career with Princess Auto in 1984 as the Company’s Controller, responsible for leading the Finance Team.
Harold’s role in the Finance department expanded, and he helped shape the strategic direction of the company as part of the Executive Leadership Team, including acting as co-CEO for a few years. Prior to his retirement in 2015, Harold returned to lead the Finance Team as the Chief Financial Officer.
Since 2016, Harold has acted as Director of the Princess Auto Foundation along with David Shnider.
-
David Shnider
DIRECTOR
David's career at Princess Auto began in 1978.
He was responsible for several operational areas including Retail Administration, Wholesale , Distribution, Import buying and Information Technology. Before retiring in 2013 he held the position of Senior Vice President-Strategic Planning. In 2014 he began he began his current role as a Director of the Princess Auto Foundation.