Just before Christmas, a deserving Provo, UT, mother experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her son---thanks to Cascade Collision Repair, GEICO and the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program.
The presentation was held at Cascade Collision Repair at 1155 S. State St. in Provo, UT.
Natalie Amalathithada received a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, donated by GEICO and refurbished by Cascade Collision Repair and other vendors who helped bring the vehicle back to a like-new condition.
Amalathithada was selected by the Family Support Center at Lifestart Village. She is a member of the Provo community who has had a difficult life. She was homeless as a child and has struggled with substance abuse most of her life. After getting clean in 2012, she and her daughter were struck by a vehicle, leaving Amalathithada in a coma. Her daughter tragically did not survive her injuries.
Amalathithada is working hard every day to stay sober and provide for her son. Having a reliable vehicle helps alleviate some of her day-to-day burden.
“I can’t believe this, this is such a blessing for me and my son,” said Amalathithada. “I am so grateful to my support group at Lifestart Village who helped me get here, and to Cascade Collison, GEICO and NABC for making this a reality.”
Additional partners included Ken Garff Volkswagen, LKQ, Cascade Glass, Industrial Finishes and 1.800 Charity Cars.
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.
Source: NABC
Abby Andrews