Kingsville family gains independence with a newly donated vehicle from Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives

On Monday, June 13, 2016 a Kingsville family drove away from Dave Hitchcock Chevrolet in a donated vehicle, thanks to the local partners of the Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives (#RebuildingWheels) program.

The vehicle was donated at a key exchange event to Shawn and Marta Galipeau and their two sons, ages 7 and 10. Shawn Galipeau says that having to walk everywhere, his options were limited, only being able to maintain part-time employment. Having recently secured full-time employment at Highbury Canco in Leamington, the vehicle could not have come at a better time.

“Through our own research and community consultations, access to transportation was identified as an issue for many people in Windsor-Essex County, particularly those who are living in low-income,” says United Way CEO, Lorraine Goddard. “Public transportation may be limited or unavailable in certain communities, creating significant challenges for many to gain or maintain employment.”

This is the fourth vehicle to be donated to a family in need through the local program. Those who qualify receive a refurbished used vehicle at no cost.

The Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives partners are pleased to welcome its newest partner, Dave Hitchcock Chevrolet, host of Monday’s event. Their recent commitment to donate three vehicles per year has provided the pilot program with the opportunity to remain viable for the foreseeable future.

“Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives is extra rewarding. We have always had a great relationship with organizations such as United Way, but to see our resources help a family in our community and to see how it impacts their day-to-day life makes us all extremely happy,” – Jeff Smith, President of Dave Hitchcock Chevrolet.

More than 200 hundred students from École secondaire catholique E.J. Lajeunesse have been involved in the program to date, from business to culinary classes, and, most notably, the automotive classes that led the repairs on the donated vehicles. As a result of the Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives partnership, the transportation program at E.J. Lajeunesse was also designated with a ‘Specialist High Skills Major in Transportation’ (SHSM) which provides additional funding for new equipment and the opportunity for students to graduate with a SHSM seal on their diploma.

“The partnership with Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives is more than just a program to the CscProvidence and to the E.J. Lajeunesse school community. The program provides real world, hands-on experience in the classroom setting,” says Thomas Couvillion, Directeur at E.J. Lajeunesse. “It helps the students to better understand the importance of contributing to our community and the impact they can have on the lives of others.”

“We are excited to be a part of such a great community collaboration that benefits individuals who work hard every day to overcome barriers and support their families,” adds Joyce Zuk, Executive Director at Family Services Windsor-Essex.

To learn more about the program, or for those who are interested in applying can learn more on United Way’s website.

This program would not be possible without the support and partnership of:

• Benson Automotive
• Beverly Tire & Auto
• Dave Hitchcock Chevrolet
• École secondaire catholique E.J. Lajeunesse
• Family Services Windsor Essex
• Lowes
• Rafih Auto Group
• United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County