While filming the final part of the Prague to Pebble video series, Mazda invited TFLcar to a nice dinner mixed with a charitable moment that was very touching for all of us. Mazda has not only worked to gain charitable contributions ($100 per Mazda sale goes to various charities) they donated an hour of charitable service for every Mazda test drive. That’s right, Mazda’s employees and associates donated real, roll-up-your-sleeves, physical time to charities.
At the Mazda dinner, which was held near Pebble Beach, CA, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) handed a $25,000 check to the SPCA for Monterey County. This was raised via the Mazda Drive for Good charity which ran from November 2013 to January of 2014. Through the Mazda Drive for Good campaign, Mazda donated $2,751,700 dollars to select charitable organizations.
“The SPCA’s relationship with Mazda Racing and the Mazda Foundation has benefited the thousands of companion animals, horses, and wildlife rescued and cared for by the SPCA. Mazda always goes above and beyond in supporting our work for the animals,” said Gary Tiscornia, SPCA Executive Director. “Mazda staff take animal protection personally. They bring drivers to the SPCA Adoption Pavilion to meet the pets named after them and always provide us opportunities to share in exciting Mazda programs at the historic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We are very grateful for their support.”
The four main, nationwide charities Mazda donated to are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and the Mazda Foundation.
Regarding the Mazda Drive for Good program: “Mazda and its dealers have always had a history of charitable giving and it is time that we include our customers in doing good things for those in need,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “In typical Mazda fashion, it isn’t just about writing a check. That is why we wanted to go the extra mile and donate an hour of charitable service for every test drive. Mazda, its employees, and dealers want to give not only their money, but also time, attention, and hard work to help others.”
So, by the act of testing a Mazda, you helped contribute time to charity. By buying a Mazda, various charities, either regional or national, got $100 during the Mazda Drive for Good. There are four national charities and several regional charities to choose from. Mazda employees, representatives, and dealerships across the United States are continuing their charitable services which totaled 56,435 hours. Not too shabby.
I’m grateful that companies like Hyundai and Mazda are finding new and useful ways to make a difference. This was a successful and popular program. With any luck, another program like Mazda Drive for Good will surface soon.
Read more about Hyundai’s charitable contributions and see all the charities Mazda worked with below.
Speaking of Mazda…
Mazda Drive for Good Local Charity List
Gulf States –
Albuquerque: Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico
Dallas/Ft. Worth: Make A Wish Foundation
Denver: JDRF International
Houston: JDRF International
New Orleans: March of Dimes
Rio Grande Valley: March of Dimes
Austin: Austin Humane Society
Midwest –
Kansas City: Great Plains SPCA
Minneapolis: United HealthCare Children’s Foundation, Inc.
Lexington: Kentucky Children’s Hospital
Milwaukee: Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc. (MACC Fund)
Cincinnati: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Columbus: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Inc.
Cleveland: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Cleveland, Inc.
Detroit: The Come Together Foundation
St. Louis: Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation
Chicago: Northern Illinois Food Bank & Greater Chicago Food Depository
Northeast –
Boston: The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.
Connecticut: Where Angels Play Foundation
New York: Where Angles Play Foundation
Philadelphia: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Baltimore: American Cancer Society, Inc.
Southeast –
Atlanta: Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Inc.
Charlotte: Friendship Trays , Inc.
SW Florida (Ft Myers): Gulf Coast Humane Society, Inc.
Central Florida (Orlando): Pet Rescue by Judy, Inc.
Richmond: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond
Tampa: All Children’s Hospital Foundation, Inc.
West Palm Beach: Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
West –
Los Angeles: JDRF International
Salt Lake City: Prevent Child Abuse Utah
Seattle: Seattle Children’s Hospital
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
