Zara Northover, a former Jamaican Olympian and long-time Detroit resident, was gifted a refurbished 2018 Honda CR-V through the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program. The presentation, made in collaboration with collision repair partner Crash Champions and event sponsor CIECA CONNEX, took place at the CIECA CONNEX Conference in Detroit on Sept. 25.
The donation comes at a critical time for Northover, who recently lost her job and has been without a reliable vehicle after her car’s engine failed. Despite these challenges, Northover has remained dedicated to serving her community through advocacy and outreach.
“There were many other people who deserved to receive this car,” she said, expressing her gratitude. “I am truly blessed to be able to help others with this car.”
Northover’s nomination came from the Minority Freedom Community Fund, recognizing her longstanding commitment to the Detroit community. As a shot put competitor in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she has continued to make an impact locally, using her platform to give back. With her new vehicle, she will now be able to pursue new job opportunities and continue serving the community she cares so deeply about.
The NABC Recycled Rides program has been operating since 2007, partnering with various collision repair industry businesses to refurbish and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need. To date, more than 3,300 vehicles have been donated through the program, valued at more than $47 million.
The CIECA CONNEX Conference, which hosted the car donation event, focused on the intersection of business and technology in the collision industry. Attendees discussed emerging trends and innovations that will shape the future of automotive repair.
In addition to Crash Champions and CIECA, the donation was supported by other partners, including Cars for Charity, Copart, Enterprise, LKQ and Page Honda Bloomfield.
