Look who won a new car!

When Christine from PGeMarketing Inc. called Emery Szabo to tell him he'd won a new car, thought it was a joke.

The Saultite hung up on her twice.

But Christine was serious.

Szabo was one of just two people in all of Canada to win a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid car from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada.

Today he, his wife Sue and his father-in-law Mr. Sarlo picked it up from the Allstate Agency on Great Northern Road.

They're seen in the middle with agency manager Mark Michel on the left, Allstate Director of Business Development Dan Currie in the front on the right and Allstate Agent Pat Brown at the back on the right.

Szabo, who became a client of Allstate Insurance shortly before the contest closed, also brought three other clients with him when he switched.

"I was really hoping the car would be white," he said with a smile.

Sure enough, it's as white as the driven snow and green as a Honda Civic hybrid from the Sault's Esquire Honda can get.

The full text of a media release from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada follows.

************************* Allstate customers win Honda Civic Hybrids

MARKHAM ONTARIO - (February 3) - Today, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada announced the Grand Prize winners of two Honda Civic Hybrids in the company's referral program.

Mary and James Wrong - clients for over 25 years - of Kemptville, Ontario and Emery Szabo of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario are set to take the wheel.

Customers who submitted qualified referrals were entered into a Grand Prize draw and also able to choose a $5 gas card or a donation made on their behalf to a local children's foundation.

"Allstate is pleased to recognize and reward our valued and loyal customers and support local children's foundations in the communities where we do business," said Dan Currie, Director, Business Development, Allstate Canada.

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada produces and distributes home and auto insurance products right across Canada. The "Good Hands Network," enables consumers to contact Allstate through one of over 90 exclusive community-based agencies, directly on-line www.allstate.ca and through the customer contact centre at 1-800-allstate.

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