Jaffarian Volvo Toyota Launches “Youth in Motion” Fund to Help Local Kids Embrace a Healthy, Active Lifestyle

Funds Given to Haverhill and Lawrence Boys & Girls Clubs for Direct Distribution to Youth in Need [caption id="attachment_5395" align="alignleft" width="300"] Pictured above are (from left to right): Markus Fischer, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence; Manny Ayala, Director of Program Services; Gary Jaffarian, President and CEO of Jaffarian Volvo Toyota; Kathy Pruett, Development Director, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill; and Brian Theirrien, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill.[/caption] Jaffarian Volvo Toyota, a full-service, award-winning family-owned dealership, today launched the Jaffarian Youth in Motion Fund, a charitable program that enables local youth in need to participate in sports and activities that provide structure, discipline, teach sportsmanship and, ultimately, promote a healthy, active lifestyle. To achieve this goal, The Jaffarian Youth in Motion Fund will allocate funds to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill and the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. To launch the fund, each organization recently received a check for $5,000. The Jaffarian Youth in Motion Fund formed as a result of past charitable efforts, visits to each Club and multiple meetings with the directors. A clear fundamental need emerged to help local youth get involved in sports and activities that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to participate in or try. Jaffarian selected the Boys & Girls Clubs as they are perfectly positioned to readily identify needs and allocate funds directly to enable individuals to engage in these programs. The funds will be used to support positive “in motion” behavior, such as helping kids participate in team sports like football and baseball, partake in activities such as dance, swimming and martial arts classes, as well as learning to fish via summer camp programs. “Supporting youth sports/activities has been central to the Jaffarian culture from day one. My grandparents started this tradition and, as a third generation owner, I strive to keep that important legacy alive and well,” said Gary Jaffarian, President and CEO, Jaffarian Volvo Toyota. “I hear all too often about deserving kids who can’t participate in sports and activities because of financial issues and that’s what inspired me to create this fund. My entire family has always believed that sports are healthy for both body and mind and can provide a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment. We’re delighted to extend those benefits to youth in our community through our relationship with the Greater Haverhill and Lawrence Boys & Girls Clubs.” “The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill is thrilled with the creation of the Jaffarian Youth in Motion Fund,” said Brian Theirrien, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill.  “Jaffarian’s commitment to directly support our ‘most in need’ Club members is creative, inspiring and unique. The Youth in Motion Fund affords these members with additional opportunities to participate in relevant activities that promote healthy lifestyles.  Our sincere thanks to Jaffarian Volvo Toyota for helping the Boys & Girls Club to deliver on its mission, assuring that ‘Great Futures Start Here.’” “We are very grateful to be a recipient of the Jaffarian Youth in Motion Fund, which will provide critical funds for our core program area of healthy living,” said Markus Fischer, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. “Given that Lawrence is one of the poorest cities in the Commonwealth, it’s not unusual for a club kid to want to join the swim team, but not own a swimsuit; for an aspiring basketball player’s shoes to be literally falling apart; and for dancers to go to class barefoot because their families can’t afford dance shoes. This fund will not only allow more kids to participate in activities, but to do so with confidence and a sense of belonging.” [caption id="attachment_5396" align="alignright" width="300"] Gary Jaffarian, President and CEO of Jaffarian Volvo Toyota (Center) with members of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill.[/caption] The Jaffarian Youth in Motion Fund continues the dealership’s legacy of helping youth in Merrimack Valley participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs. Jaffarian has long had a passion for and commitment to giving back to the community in the area of youth sports. Over the years, the dealership has sponsored numerous sports teams, helped Haverhill High build a weight room, raised $50,000+ to offset the costs of participating in high school sports, and brought busloads of kids to Celtics and Red Sox games. About Jaffarian Volvo Toyota Founded in 1938 as a service station in Haverhill, Mass., Jaffarian Volvo Toyota is a fourth-generation, family-run company celebrating 75+ years in business. As a premier dealership serving communities north of Boston and in southern New Hampshire, Jaffarian offers customers the convenience of quality one-stop shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, routine or emergency service, accessories and parts, auto spa, and body shop work. What sets Jaffarian apart is its long-standing family tradition of putting customers first, helping them to make well-informed buying decisions and delivering excellence in customer service. Jaffarian consistently earns top Dealer Rater customer ratings and has received numerous customer-nominated awards, such as Volvo’s MA Dealer of the Year (2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016), Toyota Parts & Service Excellence Award (2014) and Top Volvo Service Award for Northeast Region (2014). With a deep commitment to giving back, Jaffarian is a strong supporter of civic and community activities throughout the Merrimack Valley. For more information please visit www.jaffarian.com.  ]]>