From showroom to support: Subaru of Bend helps fuel Central Oregon stroke awareness nonprofit
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Subaru of Bend is helping support a local nonprofit this holiday season in a way that could save lives.
As part of Subaru’s national Share the Love event, Bend’s family-owned dealership selected Stroke Awareness Oregon (SAO) as one of this year’s local beneficiaries. The annual campaign runs from November through the new year, with Subaru donating money for every new vehicle sold.
Each participating dealership across the country chooses local nonprofits making an impact in their communities. For Subaru of Bend, that means supporting stroke education and awareness programs across Central Oregon.
“We can actually choose who in our community is making the most impact,” said Jake Thomas, general manager at Subaru of Bend. “This Share the Love event, we are doing Stroke Awareness Oregon - SAO. This organization helps educate people on what the signs are and try to help people not have life-changing events.”
Stroke Awareness Oregon teaches people to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke, while also supporting survivors and caregivers through recovery. Funds raised through the Share the Love event will help expand education, support groups, and outreach programs throughout the region.
“Our mission is so important because if we’re able to get that word out and help others with the knowledge, it can really mitigate a lot of things,” said Taylor Laidlaw, education coordinator for Stroke Awareness Oregon. “The money we’re receiving from this event will go toward the programs we work on — including support groups for stroke warriors and caregivers — and will help us continue that education in the community.”
Organizers say partnerships like this not only provide crucial funding but help spread life-saving awareness across Central Oregon.
Subaru’s Share the Love event runs through January 2nd at the Bend location, with most of the money raised going directly back into local programs.
