(Virginia Beach, VA) Samaritan House, Virginia’s largest domestic violence shelter, wins a new van from Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program. Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good is a Facebook-enabled philanthropy initiative where Toyota gives away 100 cars in 50 days to 100 nonprofits. 250 finalists were chosen from a pool of 2,500 applicants. Finalists were chosen based on need and the vehicle’s impact on the community.
Sunday, November 10, Facebook fans were asked to vote for Samaritan House. “Based on our numbers, our fans are the least engaged on Sunday, but we were up for the challenge,” says Marketing Coordinator Shereese Floyd-Thompson. Toyota provided a marketing toolkit that included a $250 Facebook ad credit to launch an advocacy campaign. Samaritan House staff put together a “10 Reasons Why We Need a New Toyota Sienna” video series, to not only reach supporters through other social networks, but to also give a face and relevance to the campaign.
Each day, Toyota posts five finalists with similar operating budgets. The public cast their votes through their Facebook page. The two-nonprofits with highest number of votes are awarded cars. Voting began October 1 and ended November 19.
The new van will be used to transport parents and children to physician appointments, job and landlord interviews, court, support groups, school and summer activities and more. The vehicle would be used at least 16 hours per day and six days a week as staff assist families working toward self-sufficiency.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the contest,” says Executive Director, Angela Kellam. “We will not only receive a car, but through Toyota’s program we raised awareness, reached new audiences and opened a dialogue with supporters and donors. It was such an outpouring of support.”
Winners will receive their new cars in approximately 150 days. “It’s more than a car,” says Kellam. “It’s knowing that the work we do matters. Our community stands with us,” Kellam concludes.
About Samaritan House: Samaritan House provides safe shelter, food, clothing and transportation to families with children who are homeless or fleeing domestic violence. Founded in 1984, Samaritan House receives nearly 8,000 crisis calls a year. Approximately 100 persons a night find refuge at Samaritan House; over 60% are children.
About Toyota: Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed nearly $700 million to philanthropic programs in the US. For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/philanthropy.
Samaritan House is committed to fostering personal safety, growth and self-sufficiency in adults and their children through freedom from domestic abuse and homelessness.
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