The Meineke Charitable Foundation has raised almost $1.3 million since it was established in 2012, to support individuals and causes in communities where its car-care centers are located. By Jessica Jones

The Meineke Charitable Foundation has raised almost $1.3 million since it was established in 2012, to support individuals and causes in communities where its car-care centers are located.

Since 2018, the foundation has focused on fundraising activities benefiting active-duty and veteran service members. “Our owners chose this cause because it truly represents the Meineke family by honoring the service of many of our owners and employees, as well as our customers and communities,” said Falconer Warren, director of charitable foundations.

The foundation partners with owners, shop employees, corporate staff, vendors, and customers. Through several signature programs, including golf tournaments, activities at conventions and individual center activities, Meineke centers across the country come together to honor and support the service of the U.S. military.

Through the Proud to Serve Those Who Serve fundraiser, launched in 2019, participating owners contribute a specific sum – between 10 cents and $1 – for each oil change their centers perform. The money goes to military families in critical need of financial assistance through a partnership with Operation Homefront.

“Proud to Serve Those Who Serve highlights the potential of individual Meineke centers to come together to collectively make a big impact. In our inaugural year, 63 Meineke centers participated, contributing an average of $365 a store, which added up to a total gift of $23,615,” Warren said. “In 2020, even with the onset of the global pandemic, 50 centers still participated in this program, providing much needed support.”

The Meineke Charitable Foundation also sponsors free oil changes for veteran and active-duty service members every Veterans Day. “This is one of the longest standing charitable activities of our Meineke shops,” Warren said. “In 2019, we had over 230 centers participate and together they performed 3,271 free oil changes for veterans across the country.”

The company plans on building upon these charitable initiatives in the future. Warren said: “We are excited to continue to grow the work of our foundation by partnering alongside Meineke owners all over the country.”

For more information about Meineke franchising opportunities visit meinekefranchise.com.

– Jessica Jones