VIP Inc. dba VIP Tires & Service continued its giving tradition in 2020 and made its largest donations yet to Make-A-Wish chapters in New England. Since 2007 VIP has raised more than $700,000 for the charity.
In 2020 the company presented a $117,096.96 donation. The funds were raised by the company's 62 locations during its annual Season of Wishes campaign. VIP employees and customers contribute to the campaign, and their donations are matched by VIP Chairman John Quirk. In 2020 the stores raised $58,548.48, and with the company match, VIP donated $117,096.96 — 21% more than what was raised in 2019.
VIP presented the donation to Make-A-Wish leaders in an online meeting Jan. 11.
“I don’t know one person that didn’t face some sort of challenge in 2020, but we know that some are struggling more than others," says Tim Winkeler, CEO and president of VIP Tires & Service. "VIP wants to do everything we can to help alleviate some of these struggles and give joy as we head into a New Year. This donation — our largest donation to date — will help grant the wishes of numerous young children facing life-threatening medical conditions across New England. I’m continuously impressed by the generosity and care our employees and customers show during the Season of Wishes campaign that make this donation possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Funds raised in each state benefit the local Make-A-Wish chapter:
- Maine’s VIP stores raised $39,723.71 ($79,447.42 donation with match)
- New Hampshire’s VIP stores raised $15,674.27 ($31,348.54 donation with match)
- Massachusetts’ VIP stores raised $2,228.90 ($4,457.80 donation with match)
- Vermont’s VIP stores raised $921.60 ($1,843.20 donation with match)
“Despite the challenges 2020 has presented for many businesses, VIP continues to go above and beyond to make wishes for Make-A-Wish kids come true. This donation means the world,” said Kate Vickery, CEO and president of Make-A-Wish Maine. “My organization wants to extend a huge thank you to all VIP employees and customers for their continued commitment to supporting our mission. Throughout New England, the life-changing power of a wish will impact children and their families because of this generous donation. We look forward to sharing details about those wishes in the months to come.”
