Vehicles for Change Partners with Russel Mazda to Award Car to a Maryland Family

Baltimore-area nonprofit Vehicles for Change, Inc. (VFC) and local Mazda dealership Russel Mazda of Catonsville recently formed a partnership to increase access to personal transportation for low-income residents in Baltimore. The organizations will award a refurbished Mazda to a Maryland family at the dealership on Saturday, Nov. 21. Russel Mazda technicians refurbished the vehicle that was publicly donated to VFC.

The award comes as part of a broader partnership between VFC and Russel Mazda during the month of November. Anyone who donates a vehicle to VFC and mentions Russel Mazda will receive a voucher for $350 toward the purchase of a new or used vehicle at the dealership. VFC is a social enterprise operating several programs to fulfill its mission of helping low-income families become financially self-sufficient. The organization accepts and refurbishes publicly donated vehicles to award to families in need of personal transportation.

“Access to and lack of transportation is an issue affecting more than 80,000 Baltimore residents. Without a car, many are left with no means to provide for their families and build a career,” said VFC President Marty Schwartz. “Partnerships with local businesses and organizations are critical to fulfillment of VFC’s mission to empower low-income families to achieve personal and financial independence. We are very grateful for Russel Mazda’s support of and belief in our programs.”

For Russel Mazda, the ceremony and partnership represent just one of the ways the dealership is furthering the nation-wide mission of Mazda Drive for Good®, running from Nov. 23 to Jan. 4. Entering its third year, anyone who purchases a Mazda during the program will be able to designate $150 to one of four national charities or a pre-selected local charity. Additionally, for every vehicle test drive taken during the event Mazda will donate one hour of charitable service from its employees, dealers and business partners across the nation. The 2014 Mazda Drive for Good® event raised $4.9 million in charitable donations and more than 66,000 hours of pledged service.

“We couldn’t be more excited to serve our community by working with VFC to refurbish a car that will have such an enormous impact on a local family,” said Scott Feinstein, general manager of Russel Mazda of Catonsville. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to put our technicians’ talent to work for such a great cause.”

Event | Saturday, Nov. 21 | Russel Mazda, 6624 Baltimore National Pike, Baltimore, Maryland 21228
12:00 to 12:45 p.m. – Lunch and networking
12:45 to 12:50 p.m. – Welcome and keynote introduction by VFC
12:50 to 1:00 p.m. – Keynote by Scott Feinstein, Russel Mazda general manager
1:00 to 1:05 p.m. – Car award and recipient remarks
1:05 to 1:10 p.m. – Closing remarks

VFC and Russel Mazda representatives and the vehicle recipient will be available for media interview between noon and 12:45 p.m. and directly following the ceremony. Please direct all media inquiries and requests to Josie Hankey at 410-420-2001 or by email at josie.hankey@fallstongroup.com.