First published in the Dec. 30 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
Bridgestone surprised Pasadena area youth last week by unveiling a new passenger van donated to Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena (BGCP). The new van will provide club kids with transportation to and from their clubhouses and other enrichment activities, giving more kids and teens access to high-impact, out-of-school programming.
The donation is part of the Bridgestone “Driving Great Futures” initiative, which has helped kids and teens connect with Boys & Girls Club resources across the U.S.
In attendance to celebrate the van donation were Lisa Cavelier, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, Bridgestone Area Manager Carlos Torres, BGCP leadership and board members, and dozens of club kids.
“We are so grateful to Bridgestone and are honored to be selected as a recipient for a new passenger van to help our club youth and families overcome transportation barriers,” Cavelier said. “These vans will not only give kids and teens increased access to outside opportunities that better their future, but will also provide safe and reliable transportation to after-school programming to help them reach their full potential.”
Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena is one of 12 clubs nationwide to receive a grant from Bridgestone to purchase a new passenger van equipped with Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tires. Bridgestone will also support BGCP by maintaining the new vehicle.
“After-school activities help young people develop crucial life skills and thrive far into the future,” said Marko Ibrahim, president of BSRO. “Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena is a pillar in this community, and we look forward to seeing how expanded transportation can make an even greater difference in the lives of club youth and families.”
Last year, Bridgestone raised $3.6 million for Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help students gain access to high-impact, out-of-school support amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2015, Bridgestone has contributed a total of $15.3 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
