Voting opens to secure LKQ funding for BEN charity
Automotive charity Ben has been awarded a share of $1,000,000 by LKQ Corporation, the global parent company of LKQ UK & Ireland, and voting is now open to decipher how much of the total sum the Ben will receive.
Ben charity is one of ten organisations around the world to receive funding as part of the third annual ‘LKQ Cares Holiday Vote’ programme. Each charity will initially be given a $50,000 donation, and now the remaining $500,000 is being put to a public vote.
Voting is open here until December, 8, 2023. LKQ UK & Ireland (which includes LKQ Euro Car Parts, LKQ Bodyshop, Arleigh Group and Digraph) is encouraging its team members, customers, suppliers and other partners across the sector to show their support. This will help Ben continue its work supporting people in the automotive industry and their dependents with their health and wellbeing.
Ben and LKQ UK & Ireland have formed a partnership over the years, and the charity is said to be close to the hearts of colleagues and customers alike.
Recently, LKQ Euro Car Parts’ branches, offices and field teams supported Ben by taking on a host of activities and challenges as part of a ‘Summer of FUNdraising’. Highlights were said to include CEO Andy Hamilton being joined by the senior leadership team on a 13-mile trek along the Jurassic Coast.
Helen Robinson, Corporate Communications Director at LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “The work Ben does to provide support and services across the automotive industry is incredible. We’re proud of our close relationship with Ben here in the UK, and it’s fantastic that it’s been recognised at a global LKQ level.
“Whether you’re a customer, colleague or competitor, please show your support and take part in the vote. None of us know when we or our colleagues might need to lean on Ben in the future – we’re incredibly lucky that the support is there should we need it, and we have a responsibility to help keep it going and ensure no-one has to face life’s challenges alone.”
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We’re very proud of the partnership that Ben has with LKQ UK & Ireland and we greatly appreciate all their support. To now be recognised and supported by LKQ at a global level through this new initiative is amazing. Together, we will continue to support people in our industry when they are struggling, or in crisis. The generosity of companies, and their employees, helps ensure Ben is always there for them, and LKQ’s commitment will make a life-changing difference. We can’t thank LKQ enough and we hope that those in the automotive industry will vote for Ben, their dedicated charity!”
The ‘LKQ Cares Holiday Vote’ is a global programme, with each of the 10 charities selected with the help of leaders across the LKQ organisation internationally and 2023 marking the inaugural year for UK charity partner Ben. Other charities selected reportedly include the American Cancer Society, Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Collision Repair Education Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, Make-A-Wish International, Skills USA, The Ocean Cleanup, UNICEF and World Food Programme.
At the end of the campaign, it is claimed that the remaining $500,000 balance will be allocated based on the percentage of votes each charity receives. Each person is allowed one vote, per device, every day until voting closes on 8th December at 3pm GMT, and LKQ will announce the total donations made to each charity in January 2024.
The LKQ Cares Holiday Vote is said to be an example of the business’ commitment to making a positive difference for its people and for the communities it serves around the world – which forms a part of its broader sustainability strategy.
