Mercury Insurance and Valley Motor Center in Van Nuys, Calif., donated a refurbished 2004 Chevy Trailblazer to the Veterans Exploration Garden (VEG) during a Dec. 9 ceremony. The event was part of the national Recycled Rides car donation program and featured numerous guest speakers, including California State Commander Richard Valdez of Disabled American Veterans, a national organization that advocates for veterans’ projects like the VEG.
“This vehicle will go a long way in helping us improve the lives of veterans in the community," said Commander Valdez. "Thanks to Mercury Insurance and Valley Motor Center for donating the SUV, veterans will be able to escape from their homes and hospital rooms to find peace and tranquility at the Veterans Exploration Garden.”
The VEG is designed to promote positive well-being through gardening to help offset the crippling effects of post traumatic stress disorder. The vehicle donated by Mercury will be used by volunteers to drive disabled veterans and supplies to and from the garden.
“We have supported the Recycled Rides program, and Disabled American Veterans in particular, for several years because they have such a positive impact on the community,” said Eric Mark, manager of Mercury’s Customer Authorized Repair Service program. “They provide critical services to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. The Veterans Exploration Garden helps them overcome the effects of PTSD, and we’re happy to play a role in making it easier for them to travel to this sanctuary.”
This was Mercury’s fourth annual contribution to Recycled Rides, a program in which damaged cars are fully restored and donated to local charities. The practice began when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and collision repair shops across the nation responded by providing tools, repair equipment and free service to those affected.
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