For the sixth straight year, Christian Brothers Automotive, one of the nation’s leading automotive repair franchises, has partnered with organizations in the communities it serves to help lift up families in need of a helping hand. Through its annual National Service Day Christian Brothers locations around the country provided more than 1,250 local single mothers and widows with free oil changes, safety checks, tire rotations and other car maintenance services.
“Our National Service Day is a reflection of the simple, but powerful mission our company was founded on: love your neighbor as yourself,” said Mark Carr, President and CEO of Christian Brothers Automotive. “Serving our community is an important part of our mission, so each year our franchisees and their teams are proud to give of their time and talents to provide the same honest, reliable service we’ve always been known for to those who may be in need of a little extra help.”
To increase the event’s positive impact, participating Christian Brothers locations partnered with local churches, women’s shelters and domestic violence organizations to help identify mothers and widows in need of vehicle maintenance. The company’s service teams volunteered their time to service the vehicles, and other vendors, employees and church volunteers joined in to donate car washes, refreshments and other goods. Together, the groups have served more than 7,200 families in need since the National Service Day initiative’s founding in 2010.
“There were many tears of joy when these moms were told unexpectedly that they were going to receive necessary car repairs for free,” said Greg Joseph, owner of Christian Brothers in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, whose franchise offered free vehicle repairs for 98 families in need during the 2015 National Service Day event. “Many of the women knew their cars needed work, but simply did not have the funds to take care of them. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve my community in this way.”
The cornerstone of Christian Brothers has remained the same since its founding more than three decades ago: treat others as you wish to be treated. By following this straightforward guidance, the franchise has garnered a loyal following of consumers, including many who once dreaded visiting repair shops. The brand’s motto doesn’t just apply to their honest business operations. Christian Brothers also believes in promoting goodwill by hosting philanthropic events that give back to the communities they serve.
Christian Brothers’ National Service Day started at the brand’s location in Cedar Park, Texas after owners Steve and Barbara Berry partnered with Hill Country Bible Church to provide free oil changes to single mothers in the area. The program quickly spread throughout Austin, as other locations joined in to help make the event a true example of neighborly service and stewardship for the community. The initiative eventually spread to Dallas and Ft. Worth, inspiring Christian Brothers to expand the initiative nationwide.
“This event helps us to truly live the Christian Brothers motto,” said Jud Cook, franchise owner of Christian Brothers in Hillsborough, Florida, who participated in the initiative for the second straight year. “Volunteers worked together to show love to these widows and single moms in real and practical ways. I’ll never forget the smiles on the faces of the people we helped.”
This article originally appeared on Virtual-Strategy Magazine.
