A Midas franchise location in Springfield, Illinois, helped refurbish a vehicle for a family who recently fled Ukraine to start anew in the area, according to a press release.
Tunzala and Arzu worked in Ukraine as a nurse and small business owner, respectively, while raising a young son. They were forced to leave their country in February 2022, seeking refuge in Kyiv and then Germany, before they were matched with Jodi Perko of Springfield as a sponsor.
Upon arriving in Springfield, Perko and the community have come together to provide support to the family. When local Midas owner Kent Childs heard of the story, he was immediately driven to play his part through the company’s Project Spark initiative.
“When we first heard the family’s story, my wife and I jumped in to help in any way we could,” Childs said.
Created in 2018, Midas’ Project Spark is a national program of Midas franchise owners and team members who donate time and work to refurbish a vehicle for families, veterans, and first responders in need.
As part of Project Spark, Childs and the Springfield Midas team helped refurbish a 2012 Hyundai Elantra for Tunzala and Arzu. Now having access to reliable transportation, the couple will be working towards finding employment and getting back on their own feet.
“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to provide a car through the Midas Project Spark program to a family who really needs it,” stated Childs.
