Chrysler Media Website Thu, Mar 28, 2024 01:45:51 EDT Chrysler
Contact: LouAnn  Gosselin

Bradley  Horn



Chrysler Canada: B.C.-based 'Local Hero' Receives Keys to New Wheelchair-Accessible 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan

  • Victoria, B.C.’s Jeff Scott named one of National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association’s “Local Heroes,” as part of National Mobility Awareness Month
  • Chrysler Group LLC is a major sponsor of National Mobility Awareness Month and donated the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan now specially converted for Scott’s use
  • Scott established the Live It Love It Foundation (LILI), providing adaptive outdoor adventures to individuals with disabilities
  • The modified Dodge Grand Caravan will be used by Scott for LILI causes and events
December 4, 2013,  Windsor, Ontario - In April of 2010, Jeff Scott lost his independence. A devastating snowboarding accident left the Victoria, B.C. resident with fractured vertebrae and a diagnosis as a quadriplegic. He could not even breathe on his own.
 
A year later – after multiple surgeries, medical treatments and physical therapy – Scott battled back, regaining partial use of his arms and wrists. Immediately after leaving rehab, a newfound quest for independence and a long-established sense of adventure saw him and a support team pile into a van for a cross-Canada drive.
 
On that adventure, Scott was inspired to start the Live It Love It Foundation (LILI), which provides adaptive outdoor adventures to individuals with disabilities. LILI camps provide opportunities to go rock climbing, kayaking, hand cycling, zip lining, gliding and bungee jumping, plus hear from motivational speakers and peers at no cost to the participants.
 
It is because of this inspiring initiative that Scott was named one of three “Local Heroes” for 2013 by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). Today at a ceremony in Victoria, B.C., he received the keys to a specially-modified 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan donated by Chrysler Group LLC, a vehicle Scott will use to further his Live It Love It Foundation’s causes.
 
“It is hard to put into words just how liberating a new reliable vehicle will be,” Scott said. “I look forward to all the opportunities this van will help create in allowing me to connect with more individuals, helping me spread an attitude of gratitude. Thank you all for the incredibly steadfast support and encouragement!”
 
Chrysler Group LLC is a major supporter of May’s National Mobility Awareness Month. The 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan has been specially modified with features like hand driving controls, low resistance steering and wheelchair side-entry by specialized companies like BraunAbility and Canada’s own Shopper’s Home Healthcare, which hosted the key hand-off ceremony.
 
“This is the second year that NMEDA has sponsored National Mobility Awareness Month in May of which the Local Heroes Contest has played a major part of the overall awareness effort,” said Dave Hubbard, Executive Director and CEO, NMEDA. “Jeff Scott is the first Canadian winner. His dedication to helping others with disabilities through his work with adventure camps made him a standout to our panel of independent judges.
 
“We are particularly proud to present a new 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan to Jeff. Chrysler has always been a leader in the automotive mobility industry and was the first to offer a mobility equipment reimbursement program to people with disabilities. Without our OEM partners, the Local Heroes Contest would not be possible. This is the second year Chrysler has donated a minivan in support of increasing positive awareness for people with disabilities. NMEDA cannot thank Chrysler enough for their participation and support of National Mobility Awareness Month and the mobility industry in general.”
 
According to Mr. Hubbard, the Dodge Grand Caravan is the vehicle most converted in North America when it comes to fulfilling the needs of individuals with disabilities.
 
“Over 18 million people in North America are living with restrictive mobility issues,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada. “Chrysler Group is pleased to help these individuals, whether through efforts like the Dodge Grand Caravan given to Jeff Scott for his inspiring tale, or via our AutoAbility program which reimburses consumers purchasing adaptive driving or passenger equipment for their new vehicle, up to $750.”
 
For more information about the Chrysler Canada AutoAbility program, please visit the “About Us” section of the corporate website: www.chryslercanada.com.
 

About Dodge Grand Caravan
More than 13 million minivans have been sold by Chrysler Group since it created the segment in 1983. It is credited with creating 78 minivan segment firsts, such as class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and a segment-first Blu-ray rear-seat entertainment system. The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan – Canada’s best-selling minivan - continues to innovate in the segment it created and offers an unprecedented level of functionality, convenience, safety and value. With a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,895 (excluding destination), the Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most affordable seven-passenger vehicles in Canada. Its standard, award-winning Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 engine delivers a best-in-class 283 horsepower and a tow rating of 3,600 lbs. Grand Caravan features a segment-exclusive fuel economizer mode and return up to 7.9 L/100 km, or up to a 955 kilometre driving range. This IIHS Top Safety Pick also has more than 45 safety, security and technology features, and a 5-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.
 

About National Mobility Awareness Month
National Mobility Awareness Month is the annual May celebration that encourages seniors, veterans, caregivers and people with disabilities to enjoy active, mobile lifestyles. Founded in 1989 as a not-for profit trade association, the National Mobility Equipment Dealer’s Association (NMEDA) supports the awareness month with the assistance of approximately 600 mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists located in the United States and Canada dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities.
 

About Chrysler Canada Inc.
Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2013. Chrysler Canada's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep® Wrangler, Chrysler 300 and Ram trucks.

Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world's leading automotive companies. Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, SRT, FIAT and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
 
 

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