The plan includes raising $1.5 million to purchase, completely renovate, and equip a 30,000 square foot training facility in San Antonio, Texas on behalf of Operation Comfort’s Automotivation program.
Operation Comfort is a 501 C-3 nonprofit organization that complements the rehabilitation efforts carried out by the U.S. Army at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). As a form of occupational therapy, the organization runs the Automotivation program through which disabled military who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan—in many cases those that have lost one or more limbs—are helped with rehabilitation through automotive-related activities such as rebuilding and restoring cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
While the past efforts of Automotivation have proven to be beneficial, the current program does not go far enough to deliver marketable skills. This new initiative, the result of over six months of research and work by the National Auto Body Council’s Automotivation committee, will provide a mechanism to deliver such skills.
“To our knowledge no other industry-wide entity has made the effort to work directly with our wounded warriors to provide ongoing, industry-specific training,” stated NABC Executive Director Chuck Sulkala.
“These men and women will receive instruction in collision repair, estimating, vehicle refinishing and other related topics toward the goal of preparing them for reentry into the civilian workforce, namely our industry.”
In addition, the new building will serve as a host facility for I-CAR classes for the collision repair industry in the area. “It is an honor for our organization to be involved in a project that brings all industry segments together to help those who have given so much for the peace we so dearly treasure,” said I-CAR Chairman John Van Alstyne. “It is the very least we can do for these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much. We welcome them into our industry with arms wide open.”
Vehicles donated to be repaired via Automotivation will become gifting opportunities for military families in the local San Antonio area through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides® program. Tax deductible fundraising efforts are underway. Suggested donation levels are $100 for individuals and $500 per location for shops. Everyone donating $100 or more will receive a commemorative dog tag that they can wear as a show of support, as well as be recognized on a permanent wall of thanks at the building site. “Imagine the great sense of accomplishment these soldiers will receive from not only making a damaged vehicle whole, but by helping others in need,” added Sulkala. “I can’t wait for the first vehicle gifting!
We ask that everyone in the collision industry begin thinking about what you, your business, your employees and friends can do to help support Operation Comfort and the Automotivation program. This is not just an effort of the National Auto Body Council, but an effort on behalf of a grateful industry, and we need everyone’s help and support to get this accomplished now. What we are asking for compared to what they have already given is miniscule by comparison. Please help by donating a $1 per repair and ask your customers to help, as well. It is the least we can do.”
Collision repair-related associations, businesses, body shops, and individual collision repairers interested in making donations for the new Automotivation facility should call or e-mail Chuck Sulkala using the information listed at the top of this release.
For more information visit www.operationcomfort.org.
Contact the National Auto Body Council directly for membership information. Call 1-888-667-7433 or go to www.autobodycouncil.org.
