AUBURN, Maine — VIP Tires & Service is continuing to give back to its community.
The Auburn, Maine,-based dealership said it has donated $3,030 to Lowell Public Schools following its "Oils for Education" initiative. The funds can be used by the Lowell school community any way it deems appropriate.
Eric Avery, VIP's service manager at its Lowell location, presented the donation recently to Liam Skinner, Lowell Public Schools superintendent.
VIP opened the Lowell store in August to expand its presence in Middlesex County. The Oils for Education program, which ran Aug. 7 to Sept. 22, offered $10 oil changes, with all proceeds going to the local school community. VIP also ran a new tire deal, offering $50 off the purchase of any four tires for three months.
Local customers can head to VIP's Lowell store for industry-leading tires, services and much more.
VIP operates nearly 70 locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. Each store is staffed with ASE and TIA Certified Automotive Professionals seven days a week, earning automotive customers of life.
Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP, said the company is "nothing without the local communities that are so loyal to the VIP brand, and this recent program is just one small way for us to give back. Whether it means supporting public education or serving the customers who come to us for our unparalleled service, VIP will never forget about the places we call home."
VIP Tires & Service also announced recently it was launching a fund to support families impacted by the Oct. 25 shootings in Lewiston, Maine. Effective immediately, VIP said it would donate $10 for every tire sold at its Auburn store and two Lewiston locations to a new fund that will aid in the recovery of the communities hit hardest by the tragic events.
VIP said its family "is standing with those directly and indirectly affected, offering additional support in their time of need. Through its new fund, VIP aims to raise substantial resources for the recovery efforts taking place in Lewiston and Auburn, as the two communities emerge stronger from tragedy while still paying proper respect to those lost or wounded."
A total of 18 were killed in the mass shooting. The alleged shooter was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot.
John Quirk, owner and executive chairman of VIP said the community is shocked by the shootings.
"I know things can seem so out of control these days, but I have faith in humanity, and I know most of us are great loving people who care about our neighbors," he said. "Please feel free to contact VIP at our support center if you need help and we will do what we can to assist throughout this grieving process. Together, we will grieve, we will pray and we will find our way through this unthinkable tragedy."
