The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is spearheading a nationwide fight against hunger throughout the collision repair industry in November 2010. You can help out by volunteering your time at a local food bank in November. You can also make a financial donation either at the CIF website, collisionindustryfoundation.org, or at the CIF booth or fundraising event at NACE.
Two other larger efforts to fight hunger are under way, as well:
• Donate services. Many food banks across the nation have fleets of vehicles that are in rough shape and need attention. Auto body and mechanical technicians are encouraged to volunteer a hand in refurbishing those vehicles.
Bill Shaw, CIF trustee and director of business development for PPG Industries, says industry supply companies have offered in-kind donations to make that happen. Paint suppliers will supply the paint, other manufacturers will donate supplies like sandpaper and tape, and part-manufacturing companies will donate the parts needed to make the proper repairs. It’s a unique strategy for the automotive industry to help fight hunger, Shaw says, in a way that nobody else can.
• Fundraising. FinishMaster piloted a three-month fundraising campaign in April, May and June 2010 within its monthly invoicing system. Each of the company’s 9,000 customers were able to check a box on their monthly invoice indicating they would like to add $1 to their statement, which would be donated directly to feeding America’s hungry.
FinishMaster raised $2,000 through the campaign, which it donated to Chicago-based Feeding America, a hunger-relief charity.
“It was a nice way for our customers to give back, and could serve as an effective way for our industry to financially fight hunger,” says Jim Muse, CIF trustee and vice president of business development at FinishMaster Inc. He notes the potential impact such an effort could have if even more companies follow suit.
