Safelite AutoGlass donates $400,000 to Afrika Tikkun Charitable Organization
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – A record number of associates from Safelite AutoGlass®, the largest provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services in the U.S., turned out to raise money for children in need in South Africa. Their friends and family, Safelite suppliers, and insurance clients traveled from all over the globe to join them in Las Vegas to participate in the 9th annual Safelite Challenge. The fundraising event features individual or team triathlon or duathlon, a 5K fun walk, a motorcycle poker run, a virtual race, and an online silent auction.
The funds raised help support Afrika Tikkun’s Centers of Excellence, which provide cradle-to-career resources for disadvantaged children in South Africa. Through their efforts, these children have access to educational opportunities and life skills that help them succeed and transform their communities.
“We’re so grateful for the generosity of our people, friends, family and corporate sponsors who make this event possible and provide support to underprivileged children so they grow up to become well-rounded people ,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Safelite AutoGlass. “This is just one example of our associates’ Caring Hearts, which is part of the Safelite Spirit we demonstrate to our customers, community, and each other every day.”
Four of the youths who benefit from Afrika Tikkun’s services joined Safelite associates in Las Vegas for the Challenge, followed up with a visit to Safelite corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, before their return trip home.
“It’s always such a wonderful opportunity to meet the young men and women who travel from South Africa to participate in the Challenge,” said Brian DiMasi, Safelite’s Corporate Counsel and volunteer lead. “We learn as much from them as they do from us, and we’re grateful to support an organization that provides such crucial support. The Safelite Challenge also encourages our people to focus on their wellness by participating in a fun, healthy activity.”
Since it’s inception in 1994, The Safelite Challenge has raised more than $2.4 million for Afrika Tikkun.
Safelite will show even more support for Akrika Tikkun when a team of top finishers and fund-raisers among U.S. participants travel to London to participate in the Spirit of Belron Challenge, a triathon organized by Safelite’s parent company, Belron.
About Afrika Tikkun
Afrika Tikkun was founded 21 years ago, soon after the emergence of democracy in South Africa in 1995, to actively address the consequences of decades of institutionalized oppression. Recognizing that the youth of the country would become the future leaders of South Africa, the founders’ vision of the sustainable upliftment of children and youth from the most devastated communities immediately won the personal support of President Nelson Mandela as its founding patron. Afrika Tikkun’s 600+ employees in
South Africa work to break the cycle of poverty, providing their beneficiaries with Hope, Capability and Promise—the education, life-skills and confidence that enable them to become the self-sustaining, productive future of South Africa. Through a holistic Cradle-to-Career model, Afrika Tikkun invests in the sustenance, education and social development of disadvantaged children, 19,000 in 2014 alone, from early infancy through young adulthood and into gainful employment, thereby enabling them to become the leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit AfrikaTikkun.org.
About Safelite AutoGlass®
With more than 7,800 MobileGlassShops™ and stores in all 50 states, Safelite AutoGlass® is the nation’s largest provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services. Last year 6 million customers chose Safelite AutoGlass for its 24/7 national contact centers, advanced online scheduling, superior repair and replacement systems, and the industry’s only nationwide lifetime guarantee.
Safelite AutoGlass is a member of the Safelite® Group family of brands, which together, make a difference in the lives of 10 million customers annually. This leading service organization, founded in 1947, is reaching record-growth thanks to its People Powered, Customer Driven strategy. The Columbus, Ohio-based company employs nearly 14,000 people across the United States.