HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – May 13, 2016 – 3M began the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s “summer drive” for product donations of tools, equipment, and supplies through a $1.1 million donation of color match film products to 300 collision schools programs. The Education Foundation is seeking industry member’s support in providing in-kind donations to assist high school and college collision repair school instructors who face limited program budgets. These tax-deductible donations will be distributed to collision school programs at the beginning of their fall semester.
“We know that collision program budgets can be limited, and it is important that our future technicians can learn using the latest technology available to better prepare them for entering the workplace” said Jim Falteisek, US Sales & Marketing Director for 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “We are proud to support our technical training schools and an industry that has been so generous to 3M for so many years.”
Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “The goal of the summer is to collect as many in-kind donations from industry companies that will help make ‘back to school’ a great experience for both the collision instructors and the students. By provide the schools with the tools, equipment, and supplies that their program budgets might not be able to afford; we can help work towards the students receiving the best technical education possible and the end goal of them being productive entry-level employees upon graduation. We thank 3M for their continued support and this donation has helped showcase to hundreds, if not thousands, of collision students their generosity.”
The Education Foundation would like to invite all industry companies who have tools, equipment, supplies, scrap parts and/or other items to donate to collision school programs through the Education Foundation should contact Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.
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The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org
