The lives of 33 families were made a little easier this year
with gifts of transportation from collision repair centers
that are members of AkzoNobel Acoat® selected National
Benevolence Program, as well as individuals who choose to
share their skills and talents with those in need during the
month of December.
The Benevolence Program is a community service endeavor
sponsored by AkzoNobel, and implemented by collision repair
centers that are users of the Sikkens brand refinishing
system as well as members of the AkzoNobel Acoat selected
program. Established at the suggestion of group members,
this program has sustained for twelve years. Its mission is
to generate goodwill while improving and promoting the image
of the collision repair industry.
“The Benevolence Program benefits so many and in so many
ways,” said Mike Sillay North American Services Manager for
AkzoNobel. “This program touches those that receive the cars
as well as those that donate the time to repair. Lastly,
and perhaps not so obvious, this program touches the greater
global community as a sustainable alternative for vehicles
that might have otherwise been discarded.”
Each year the collision repair industry comes across cars
that are “written off” by either the owner or the insurance
company. Oftentimes these are older vehicles that just need
some mechanical and body work to get them road-ready and
completely safe to drive. Employees at participating shops
donate their time and labor to repair the vehicle. Once the
vehicle is reconditioned, shops then work with local
charitable organizations to help them identify an individual
or group that is in need of a vehicle. Other gifts such as
auto insurance, oil changes, car washes, grocery store gift
cards, clothing, toys and books are often donated by local
merchants to accompany the car. In these cases it is truly
a community effort.
Over the twelve year history of the program more than 300
cars have been donated. To learn more visit www.acoatna.com or www.carrefinishes.com.
