Seventy-seven percent of consumers are motivated to buy from companies that are committed to making the world a better place. Customers enjoy seeing businesses they support doing good.
Not only can doing good enhance your reputation with customers, but it can also improve the community around you, creating a lasting impact. So, how are some dealers across the country enacting change? Here are some dealerships making a massive difference in their communities.
1. A Florida Auto Group Makes a Hospital’s Milestone Even More Special
Broward Health is having an exceptional year, and Rick Case Automotive Group helped to make it even more noteworthy. The Fort Lauderdale-based hospital celebrated its 85th anniversary this year and received a $50,000 donation from Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group.
The hospital will name its Cardiac Echo Lab after Rick and Rita Case in honor of the donation. This donation will help the hospital continue serving Broward county residents.
2. Minnesota-based Dealership Donates Car Sales to Vascular Health Center
It’s always an excellent gesture when a dealership can involve car buyers in their charity, even if it is through them simply buying a car. Throughout February, St. Cloud Toyota, located in Minnesota, donated $100 of every car sold to honor the dealership’s Heart Month initiative.
In March, St. Cloud Toyota took all the collected funds, in the amount of $9,600, and donated them to the CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center. Not only does this help the Center’s patients, but it also lets customers know that their car purchase has contributed to an important cause.
3. A Massachusetts Dealership Sends Aid Abroad
Communities don’t always have to only encompass your general area. It can also extend to locations around the globe. An auto group located in Northhampton, MA, has a personal tie to the most recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, discussed how one of their employees has family staying in the area impacted by the earthquake.
In response to the devastation in Turkey and Syria, the auto group is asking for a donation of necessities like blankets, flashlights, baby wipes, and other essential materials. Individuals can drop by Northampton Volkswagen to donate supplies mentioned on their list.
4. Seven Iowa Dealerships Put Together 1,000 Hygiene Bags for Students
Unfortunately, childhood poverty and homelessness are significant issues in our country. Seven dealerships in Iowa are attempting to do their part to diminish the reach of this issue in their community.
Employees from Stew Hansen and Dewey auto groups filled 1,000 hygiene bags filled with items like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products. The group put together enough supplies to fill over 40 cabinets at schools in the Des Moines School District. This $30,000 project can make a significant impact on students’ lives.
5. West Springfield Dealership’s Donations Empower Youth Through Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement has created programs for years to help teach young people financial literacy. Balise Toyota and Balise Lexus in West Springfield, MA, donated $40,000 to Springfield’s Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts.
The money will help the organization establish a permanent location in the area that can offer students workforce development and even help them to establish a career in specific trades. Each dealership donated $10,000, while Toyota and Lexus Corporate made a matching donation of $20,000.
6. Florida Subaru Dealership Shares the Love
Subaru of Pembroke Pines recently held an event to present the proceeds of its annual Subaru Share the Love campaign, which raised $112,395 this year. The money raised will go to support Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of Broward County, both of which are located in South Florida. The funds will help the hospital expand its facilities and support initiatives aimed at promoting animal welfare in the area.
Subaru of Pembroke Pines has been a major supporter of the Share the Love program, having donated over $1.4 million to local charities over the years. The Share the Love program has raised more than $250 million for charity nationwide since its inception 15 years ago. In addition to supporting Share the Love, Subaru of Pembroke Pines is involved in a number of other local initiatives throughout the year to help address the diverse needs of its community.
“It is an honor to continue to raise funds for hometown charities Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of Broward County, and make a difference in the lives of those in our local community,” said Craig Zinn Automotive Group President and CEO Craig Zinn in a press release.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to help your local and even global community. In addition to your dealership and automotive group moving to make a difference, your customers may even be willing to jump in and donate money, time, or materials.
See how you can make the most impact and involve your audience. You’d be surprised about the far-reaching effects one charitable action can have on your community and overall reputation.
