About Us

The Shop is a one-on-one mentoring and skills training center located in Cambridge.

What we Do

Building Skills, Shaping Futures

Our trained staff and volunteers invite youth aged 13-19 to learn trade and life skills in a personalized, safe environment. Our youth:
  • Gain experience in basic automotive and small engines.
  • Receive one-on-one life skills mentoring.
  • Get help with their job ready skills including resumes, interviews, and job expectations.
  • Get opportunities for co-ops and jobs.
Our program is funded in part through a vehicle donation program, where vehicles of all kinds are donated in exchange for a tax receipt, and resold to generate revenue that keeps this place running.
The Shop is a program of Youth Unlimited YFC TriCity, which is a division of Southwestern Ontario Youth Unlimited YFC, a registered charity that operates all over Southwestern Ontario. The Shop has been operating in Cambridge since its establishment in 2017.

Our History

Driven by Purpose Since 2016

Our vision began in 2016 with a pilot program involving a few cars and a few youth. It proved to be a workable program, and by late 2017 our small team of volunteers and staff were ready to launch!

In 2017, we opened a 2000 square foot shop in Cambridge. In 2024 the facilities were upgraded to meet the increasing demand for this program.

Our focus from day one has been to invest in our youth and prepare them to be our leaders of tomorrow. This is accomplished using our one-on-one training and mentoring model.

The Shop is a registered Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) automobile dealership and a member in good standing with the Used Car Dealers Association (UCDA)

Our Team

Meet The Team!

Bob Irwin

Shop Administrator

Nate Brenneman

Staff - Youth Worker

Bill Fietje

Auto/Life Skills Trainer

Peter Johannes

Trainer

Mike Hennink

Technical Lead

Cam Noseworthy

Trainer

Tyler Audet

Trainer

Matt Putt

Trainer

Dave Cressman

Trainer

Hendrik Wiersma

Trainer

Jesse Martin

Trainer

Shane Huisman

Trainer

Verne Pharoah

Trainer

Youth Unlimited YFC TriCity

In order to come alongside young people to address their unique challenges and vulnerabilities, Youth Unlimited YFC TriCity develops grassroots initiatives in local partnerships throughout the Waterloo Region including Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. We are committed to helping youth develop holistically by offering programs and developing relationships that nurture the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We exist to see every young person living fully in Christ.
Learn more about Youth Unlimited YFC Tri-City
Learn more

Community Partners

Who We Work With

Testimonials

Hear From Our Youth

Our testimonials show the wonderful depth of transformation that can come about through relationship. At The Shop, we believe that relevance in the life of a youth is earned through relationship, and so we work hard to understand and engage youth in all areas of their life!
Bill - Trainer
"It is a privilege to be a trainer with YFC at the Cambridge Auto Shop. My main role is to build a trust relationship with the students. This is best done through appropriate life questions and to encourage each student as they discover new skills. Most of the students have not heard from adults the affirmation they are looking for. We take every opportunity to affirm them as people who can overcome challenges. The Shop environment is one of friendship and safety. The look on students faces when they discover that they actually can accomplish first-time tasks with excellence makes volunteering a privilege and a joy. Plus I’m learning new automotive skills myself. Win-Win … come and join us."
Tom Amos - ECPP Teacher in Rosemount Family of Schools
"Our weekly visits to The Shop have been really rewarding from the standpoint of a school and community partnership. The Shop provides young people with a meaningful path forward, it will help build a skilled future workforce, and fosters positive connections between youth and local industry. And it's more than a class — it's an investment in the next generation. I’ve seen students who faced multiple barriers and were once disengaged become focused, motivated, and proud of their work. It’s a transformative experience. Beyond the technical skills, students build essential employability traits such as communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and adaptability. Most importantly, it instills an understanding of commitment to one’s job and the value of showing up ready to work with a positive attitude."
Meadow B. - Student
"I love The Shop! It’s so much fun. I especially liked changing the tires and taking them off the rims. It showed me that I could do stuff that I thought I couldn’t do. And Nate’s a really good teacher. Trying to fix cars always seems like it’s mission impossible. He made it feel easier than I thought it would be. I’d say overall it gives me belief in myself to do hard things in the future and that I can be relied on to get things done."
Artyom R. - Student
"Going to The Shop has built my learning skills because I’ve learned to not give up on anything. There is always something to problem solve and to figure out. You just need to stick it out. It has also really helped my motivation. Just knowing that there is something that’s been really well planned out, and that I find super engaging, gives me something to look forward to. I’ve learned way more than making repairs and using specialized tools I don’t get to use anywhere else — I’ve also gained a lot of confidence and a real sense of purpose. It helped me understand the importance of staying focused and taking pride in my work. The Shop has changed my outlook and made me more aware."
Lisanne G - Parent
"I can't say enough about the guys that volunteer and support young men like my son. You change the world, one young man at a time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of vehicles do you accept?

The Shop takes all kinds of vehicle donations, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Do you pick up Cars?

If the car is not driveable, we pick up in the Waterloo Region. If the vehicle is driveable, we also pick up in the areas surrounding the Waterloo Region.

Can I donate after hours?

Yes!  To donate after hours, please click on “Donate a Vehicle” and follow the prompts to print and fill out your form.  Place the form, your completed ownership (instructions on the form), and your vehicles keys through the drop box in our door and park your car in a marked spot in front of our unit.  Our staff will be in contact with you by mail to confirm the donation in writing.

How do you determine the amount of the tax receipts?

Receipt values are determined based on:

  • Make & Model
  • Age
  • Kilometers
  • Overall condition, as determined by our accredited staff appraisers
  • Current market conditions

Our minimum appraisal amount for any vehicle is $700. Exact receipt amounts are only established upon inspection.

Can I have a receipt issued to someone else's name?

Spouses may issue a tax receipt in the others name, otherwise the receipt should be issued to the owner of the vehicle.

What if I am not the legal owner of the car?

If the legal owner is deceased, the power of attorney may designate the recipient of the receipt (generally the estate or the spouse). Otherwise, the legal owner(s) of the car must sign the back of the ownership.

Where are you?

We are located at 333 Elgin St N, Cambridge, ON N1R 7H9.

What is your legal name?

Our legal name with Revenue Canada and the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council is Southwestern Ontario Youth For Christ. Our operating name is The Shop – Youth Unlimited YFC TriCity.

What should I bring when I'm donating a car during business hours?

When donating a vehicle, please bring your completed donation form, your vehicle ownership, and a ride home. 

Why is there no tax added to the sale when I purchase a car from your program?

The only vehicles we sell are those which have been donated to our charity and used for training within our shop.  Since a donated vehicle (also called a gift-in-kind by Revenue Canada) is tax exempt when sold in Canada, you can rest assured that the price you agree on with us will not have any fees or taxes added to it.  Since we are a licensed automotive dealer, we will handle all the paperwork on your behalf so there is no future confusion when you go to register the car.  It’s a win-win!

When should I cancel my insurance?

Any time after pickup or delivery of the car.