On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, Good News Garage awarded its 5,000th vehicle during a ceremony at its Burlington, Vermont location.
“This is a remarkable milestone,” said Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in a written statement. “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the entire Good News Garage team for placing your 5,000th car.”
With the room packed full of community supporters and partners, Good News Garage founder Hal Colston began the ceremony by expressing his satisfaction with how many people the organization has helped since its founding in 1996. Vermont Lt. Governor David Zuckerman and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger also attended the celebration.
“Without transportation, economic opportunity is greatly reduced for the vast majority of our population,” Zuckerman said. “We do not have, outside of some parts of Chittenden County, the public transportation that we need to help people get to and fro, whether it’s work or food or services, so a vehicle really is a lifeline.”
Vermont Governor Phil Scott issued a proclamation declaring November 11-17, 2018 as Transportation Access Awareness Week in Vermont. The proclamation cites the role that access to reliable transportation plays in the struggle to move out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency.
Angela Bovill, president and CEO of Ascentria, made remarks about the role of transportation in overcoming poverty. “If you look at some of the primary causes of poverty, transportation is number two, right behind mental health and substance abuse,” Bovill noted. “It is a big deal, and our ability to assist families is only limited by the number of vehicle donations we receive.”
Bovill concluded the ceremony by presenting the keys of the 5,000th car to a family from Rutland, Vermont. The family was awarded the car through Good News Garage’s JumpStart program.
“This car will make life so much easier,” said the recipient. “Even with just laundry and going shopping — just the little things you take for granted when you have a car. It’ll make life a lot better.”
Our 5,000th car placement celebration was an event we’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you’re a first-time donor or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we are so grateful for everyone’s tremendous support as we drive towards the next big milestone!