(Photo courtesy of Subaru of Bend)
Subaru of Bend is excited to announce the results of their 2023 Share the Love event and celebrate the big check presentation to Guardian Group, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing and disrupting the sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. The presentation took place on May 21 at the newly remodeled Subaru of Bend dealership, located at 2060 NE Hwy 20 in Bend.
This generous donation totaling $65,955, is part of Subaru’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations that make a significant impact in our community. The funds will help Guardian Group continue their invaluable work of supporting under-resourced local, state, and federal law enforcement officers with sex trafficking victim identifications. Through Guardian Group’s internal Analysis Team and crowdsourced volunteer force, valuable officer time and resources are saved, allowing law enforcement to take action and offer victims a path to freedom faster.
“For over eight decades, our dedication to supporting local nonprofits has been the cornerstone of our community commitment. Since 1937, we’ve stood firm in our resolve to make a tangible difference where it matters most: right here at home. This year, we are proud to announce Guardian Group as our esteemed recipient, aligning their impactful mission with our ongoing efforts to combat sex trafficking and empower law enforcement. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our pledge to foster a community where every individual can live free from exploitation and fear” said Subaru’s Jake Thomas.
Thus far in 2024 alone Guardian Group has identified just over 100 victims of domestic sex trafficking to law enforcement partners across 21 states. Twenty of the victims identified have been right here in Oregon. During the event, Guardian Group’s founder and CEO, Jeff Keith, shared how this donation will further support their mission and increase impact.
“We are deeply grateful to Matt Thomas and his team at Subaru of Bend for this incredibly generous donation. Their commitment to supporting our mission demonstrates a profound understanding of the challenges those of us in the counter-sex trafficking space are facing and a willingness to be part of the solution. With partners like Subaru of Bend, we are more empowered than ever to drive meaningful change and positively impact the lives of those affected by this horrific crime,” said Jeff Keith.
Subaru of Bend has participated in the Share the Love event since its inception in 2008, donating $250 per car sold between mid-November until January 2. Giving an overwhelming total of $236,500 to nonprofit organizations over the last 15 years. This year’s donation is especially remarkable, being $20,000 larger than any other Share the Love contribution Subaru of Bend has made, highlighting an extraordinary increase in generosity and community support for Guardian Group.
About Guardian Group:
Guardian Group’s mission is to prevent and disrupt the sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. Through their own expertise and the help of their crowdsourced volunteer force, Project 1591, they identify women and minors who are victims of domestic sex trafficking nationwide. Their no-cost support to local, state, and federal law enforcement results in increased recovery of these victims.
About Subaru of Bend:
Subaru of Bend is a premier Subaru dealership in Bend, proudly serving our neighbors from Redmond, La Pine, and surrounding locations. We have been family-owned and operated since 1973, making us one of the oldest Subaru dealerships in the country.
We’re 100% committed to giving you the most rewarding car ownership experience possible, and that begins by providing unparalleled customer service from the moment you contact us!
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.
The 2024 Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailer who provide an exceptional customer experience at every interaction with Subaru. These retailers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting passions and causes in their local communities in important areas such as environment, community, health, education, and pets.
At Subaru, we love our community as much as we love our vehicles and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of all our customers and neighbors.
