SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota recently received a $20,000 grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation that enabled the organization to purchase a hybrid car: a Ford Fusion, which can average as much as 600 miles on one tank of gas and electricity. The car is the first eco-friendly vehicle in Goodwill’s current fleet.
”Goodwill’s Green Initiative is our response to a community that is continuously improving local practices for a safer and cleaner environment. We are always looking for innovative ways to improve operating efficiencies while promoting a healthier work environment, and working to move toward zero waste,“ said Bob Rosinsky, Goodwill Manasota president and CEO. ”Our goal is to increase the number of eco-friendly vehicles used in our transportation department, which will enable us to significantly decrease our carbon footprint.“
The Ford was wrapped by ”Now That’s A Wrap.“ The company donated the car wrap, with an estimated value of $650, in support of Goodwill’s Green Initiative.
The new car will be used for training purposes: Goodwill trainers travel throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee and DeSoto counties in order to coach, train and mentor team members with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
In keeping with the principles of green and energy-efficient designs, the Goodwill corporate campus in Bradenton features a variety of eco-friendly initiatives, such as LED lighting, electric car charging stations, a bike and scooter parking area, and SCAT and MCAT transit stations. In 2015, Goodwill Manasota diverted 39 million pounds from local landfills – this is possible through innovative programs like the Tech Connection program, which refurbishes discarded computers and tech components; partnerships with environmentally conscious companies; donations of unwanted goods from community members; and support from organizations like the Selby Foundation.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2015, Goodwill Manasota served 22,739 people, placed 961 people in jobs and assisted 358 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 41 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.
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