LDSS participates in United Way vehicle giveaway

By Mark Ribble

United Way’s Rebuilding Wheels Rebuilding Lives campaign made its way to Leamington last week as Leamington District Secondary School got involved with the program for the first time.

On Wednesday, May 18, two vehicles that were refurbished in the auto shop at E.J. Lajeunesse Catholic High School in Windsor, were given to two families in need.

On Thursday, May 19, the auto technology students and teachers at LDSS unveiled a Chrysler mini-van which went to a Leamington family that is new to Canada.

According to United Way Windsor-Essex County’s Program Director Liam Giles-Hayes, the program started with just an idea in 2014.

“This is the 15th vehicle to be donated from the program,” he said. “But the first that LDSS has been involved in.”

LDSS student mechanic Gary Wanthorpe hands the keys to Paulina Martinez Morales at the school on Thursday, May 19.

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The vehicles are donated to United Way through the program and then sent to the participating high schools who then refurbished the vehicle using their automotive students.

The student mechanics benefit from the work on a real life project that also supports the community.

Mark Dewhurst, Transportation Technology teacher at LDSS, said that he reached out to United Way to get involved.

“We’ve got everything we need here, so why don’t we see what we can do for others,” he said.

The cooperation of LDSS — along with Leamington Chrysler, John’s Auto and D&T Auto Parts — made this dream come true for the young family of Roberto and Paulina Martinez Morales.

The couple and their three children live in Leamington, but Paulina faces challenges getting to and from St. Clair College.

“We’re new to Canada,” said Paulina. “This vehicle will help me obtain a diploma from St. Clair College as well asprovide transportation to English classes for my husband and extra-curricular activities for my three children.”

The team with the recipients, from left, are students Xander Harder, Kareem Sherbert, Gary Wanthorpe, Austin Nguyen, Hunter Enns, Roberto Jr., Sophia, James, Paulina and Roberto Morales Sr., Mark Dewhurst (LDSS), Ryan Sheeler (D&T Auto), Liam Giles-Hayes (United Way Windsor-Essex).

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The Morales family is from Mexico and were very thankful to all involved.

“I want to thank the whole team who made this possible,” said Paulina. “This is a great opportunity, and we are all very grateful to be part of the Leamington community.”

The program has been around since 2014 and engaged about 440 students in the endeavour while delivering 15 much needed vehicles to families in Windsor-Essex.

If you are interested in donating a vehicle to this worthwhile cause, contact United Way at 519- 259-6169. A charitable tax receipt can be provided.