A single mother and her teenage daughter, once homeless and burdened with high ride-sharing costs, were gifted a fully refurbished 2020 MINI Countryman, offering them much-needed transportation and independence.
This life-changing moment was made possible through the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, along with car donor Automobile Club of Southern California and repair partner Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop of Moreno Valley, CA.
The mother and daughter had been facing significant challenges after escaping domestic violence. With no vehicle to get to her job, the mother had been spending $1,500 a month on ride-sharing, an expense that made it difficult for the family to save and move forward. Both the mother and daughter, a straight-A student who also works, are striving for a better future, but without reliable transportation, their progress was hindered.
“It’s a blessing to be able to work with the Automobile Club of Southern California, the NABC Recycled Rides program, and the rest of our partners to come together to impact lives,” said Ben Clymer, owner of Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop. His shop, with six locations across southern California, has donated dozens of vehicles to residents in need.
The recipient of the vehicle, nominated by the Building Up Lives Foundation, expressed disbelief and gratitude.
“I am still in disbelief,” the recipient said. “I’m very happy. I would have been grateful for anything, but I was absolutely not expecting such a beautiful vehicle. Everything about it is top notch, premium and high quality. I’m just driving and just constantly saying ‘Wow!’ that this happened to me. This is unbelievable.”
The NABC Recycled Rides program has been making a difference in communities since its launch in 2007. It brings together businesses across the collision repair industry to refurbish and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need. Since its inception, the program has donated more than 3,300 vehicles valued at approximately $47 million.
This donation was further supported by partners including Cars for Charity, Advanced Remarketing Services and Copart.
