Driven Brands amping up hurricane relief efforts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Driven Brands Inc. is engaging its various automotive service business franchise networks to help raise funds for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief through the American Red Cross.

Franchisees, employees, vendor partners and customers can visit the Driven Brands Charitable Foundation (DBCF) site or any of the participating brand websites to donate. Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts in both regions.

Driven Brands' participating entities include CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, Maaco, Meineke Car Care Centers, Take 5 Oil Change, Havoline Express Lube and 1-800 Radiator & AC.

"Hurricane Harvey continues to have a devastating impact on Texas and Louisiana, while we are just seeing the impact on Florida," said Noah Pollack, executive vice president and general counsel for Driven Brands.

"Our thoughts are with our franchisees, their staffs and families in the storm zones and the millions of people whose lives have been disrupted by rain, wind and floods and who are now facing a lengthy clean-up and restoration."

Driven Brands has more than 50 locations in the Houston area — including 20-plus Meineke stores — most of which suffered only minimal damage during Hurricane Harvey and are open for business.

In Florida, there are some 160 locations, including more than 40 Meineke stores.

The DBRF raised more than $650,000 in 2016 and its fundraising efforts have now surpassed more than $1.5 million since it was established in 2012, Driven Brands said.

The Foundation, working in conjunction with more than 2,500 Driven Brand franchisees, vendor partners, customers and employees, looks to not only change the lives of children and families in need, but to support local community initiatives in the neighborhoods its businesses serve across the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to supporting the American Red Cross in times of need, the DBCF supports several organizations such as the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals including the Levine Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital in New Orleans, Boston Children's Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and other local charities such as Snug Hugs for Kids.

In addition, the DBCF believes in honoring veterans and giving back to men and women who served in the armed forces through programs such as NABC Recycles Rides, Wounded Warrior Project and Hope for Warriors.

Driven Brands' family of automotive aftermarket brands also includes Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops, Econo Lube N' Tune, Pro Oil and Drive N Style.

The Foundation also is supported by its vendor partners and customers, including the Round It Forward program, which accepts donations by rounding up customer purchases to the nearest dollar, and through in-shop collection boxes.

For more information on the DBCF or to make a donation, visit the foundation's website.