Animal rescue group gets free Toyota as part of '100 Days' promo

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Toyota of North Charlotte presented a Highlander HV Limited hybrid vehicle to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue as part of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program.

The non-profit rescue group -- a private, donation-funded, no-kill organization which strives to help end pet overpopulation, abandonment and neglect -- will use the Highlander to transport dogs from shelters where they were at risk to their headquarters, veterinarian visits and their new homes. They will also use the vehicle to carry dog food and other supplies needed to operate the rescue.

The Toyota 100 Cars for Good program has awarded 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving non-profit organizations nationwide based on votes from the public. 100 Cars for Good was launched as a Facebook-enabled philanthropy initiative which engaged supporters of these charities through its Facebook application. Each day for 100 days, five organizations were profiled on the Facebook page and the one with the most votes at the end of the day was awarded a car. The 400 runners-up each received $1,000.

In addition to the Highlander, Toyota of North Charlotte will also be giving the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue dog food and other pet supplies it has collected through customer and associate donations. The dealership engaged customers to participate by offering promotions on vehicle service in exchange for donated goods. The Sept. 8 celebration at the dealership will include furry friends available for adoption from the animal rescue, which provides care and finds homes for dogs of any breed, age or medical need.

"We are deeply touched by Toyota's generous contribution and incredibly thankful," said Danielle Rhyan, a volunteer with the animal rescue. "Our goal is to find happy homes and lives for these precious animals, and this donation helps extend the reach and efficiency of our work."

North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue is a natural community partner for Toyota of North Charlotte, which is staffed by many self-proclaimed "animal lovers" and has a Bull Terrier mascot named Mr. Toyota as its television advertising personality.

"Toyota of North Charlotte has been proud to be a member of the Charlotte community since 2003, and we are pleased to be part of the Toyota family that is bringing much-needed resources not only to this very deserving local charity, but 99 others nationwide," said Paul Kramer, general manager and president, Toyota of North Charlotte, which provides local scholarships for area schools, hosts food drives and collects toys for those in need during the holidays.

The Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program enables 100 organizations to receive a Toyota vehicle to make a greater impact on the community. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to non-profit organizations, and has always been guided by a strong belief in serving the communities where it does business. If you'd like to learn more, please visit http://www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy/.

WSOC