On July 18, two deserving Indianapolis veterans experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide them each independence and the ability to work and take care of their families---thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donors Allstate and Farmers® and repair partners Connan’s Paint and Body Shop and Andy Mohr Collision Center, both members of Collision Advice Spartan.
The presentation was part of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and was held at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis, IN. The deserving recipients were selected by Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF) of Indiana.
John Brewer, who received a 2020 Hyundai Kona, is an U.S. Army veteran who was stationed in Korea and served from 1983–1986, receiving an honorable discharge. He is a resilient single father raising his son the best he can without a car. Brewer currently relies on the Indianapolis bus system to get to work, the grocery store, medical appointments and to transport his 16-year-old son to activities. He has worked as a school bus driver, truck driver, forklift driver and auto detailer. He now works at the VA during the week and weekend, but on the weekends, he has to use Uber because the buses are not running when he is off work. Receiving this vehicle will be a blessing that will open doors for him and help his family thrive.
U.S. Navy veteran Anthony Johnson, who received a 2017 Honda Pilot EX, served on the USS America as an E3 from 1980–1983. Following a hip replacement six years ago, an infection developed in his left leg that left him confined to a wheelchair. While he has obtained numerous jobs over the past four years, he lost them due to lack of his own reliable transportation and inadequate public transportation. Having reliable transportation will help him stay employed and seek higher paying jobs.
“This is truly a blessing, an incredible blessing,” said Johnson. “I can now get to work without relying on rideshares or friends, go to doctor appointments and take care of my family. I’m grateful to the American Legion and everyone who made this possible.”
NABC Recycled Rides is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the NABC have donated more than 3,000 vehicles valued at some $42 million.
Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides presentation included Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, Great Water Auto Care and INA Towing Network.
Source: NABC
Abby Andrews