PALM SPRINGS, CA (January 15, 2016) – A Palm Springs couple found themselves in a typical catch-22 situation – unexpectedly unemployed, unable to afford a car, but without reliable transportation, facing limited employment opportunities.
Thanks to a unique car donation program fueled by businesses in the auto collision industry, Marcella and Damian Walls were given a helping hand in the form of a practically brand new 2015 Nissan Pathfinder at a special ceremony commemorating the 1,000th vehicle donated by the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program.
Recycled Rides is a collaborative effort by businesses representing all aspects of the collision industry – insurance, rental car, salvage and auction companies, parts and material suppliers and manufacturers. Instead of scrapping donated vehicles and using profits to fund charitable causes, members of the National Auto Body Council refurbish and donate vehicles so recipients can obtain employment, get to and from work, take care of their families and improve their quality of life.
Since the program’s inception in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council, representing all facets of the collision industry, have racked up significant achievements:
- Over 1,000 vehicles donated.
- 65,000 hours of volunteer labor by repair technicians.
- $4 million in parts, materials and services.
- Total of more than $12 million in refurbished vehicles donated to veterans, active duty service members and struggling families.
“The Walls family represents thousands of other individuals across the country whose lives have been positively impacted by the Recycled Rides program,” said Domenic Brusco, Chairman of the National Auto Body Council. “They struggle financially, daily routines are stressful and challenging without transportation. Recycled Rides provides the catalyst they need to restore independence, pride and self-esteem to become self-sustaining.”
The 1,000th Recycled Rides vehicle was donated by the Hertz Corporation and refurbished by Caliber Collision, both members of the National Auto Body Council.
National Auto Body Council members partner with local nonprofit charities which select recipients for Recycled Rides. The Walls family was nominated by a local Palm Springs nonprofit organization, Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert. Without steady income, the Walls lost their only car when they were unable to keep up with payments. Recently, Marcella started a new job at a local radio station while Damian works part-time as a high school referee and a youth umpire. Their four children, ages 5-18, are actively involved in church youth group and sports programs. The Walls do not live near a bus line, so the entire family had to walk or rely on friends for transportation.
Link to video of the gifting https://youtu.be/IfSK6uyY5bk
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About the National Auto Body Council:
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) develops, implements and promotes community-based initiatives that exemplify the professionalism and integrity of the collision repair industry. Members of the National Auto Body Council are recognized and acknowledged as responsible businesses that give back to the communities they serve. For more information, contact the National Auto Body Council at 1-888-667-7433 or at www.NationalAutoBodyCouncil.org. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalAutoBodyCouncil. The NABC’s Twitter feed is @AutoBodyCouncil.
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