The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated pre-existing inequalities across the country for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities ranging from food insecurity to wealth inequality, and the digital divide.
In response to this need, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, granted two loaner vehicles to the Brotherhood Crusade in support of ongoing COVID-19 community relief efforts. The donated vehicles will allow staff members to distribute much needed food, technology, and monetary support to vulnerable community members across South Los Angeles.
As an organization with a 52-year history of supporting the needs of the Los Angeles community, the Brotherhood Crusade has been hard at work from the beginning of the pandemic. The organization established the COVID-19 Community Rapid Response Fund to support students and families in need of education, technology, housing, food and other items needed during this crisis. These services are offered to community members who are facing hardships from the crisis.
To date, the organization has provided 205 Chrome tablets, 176 members with monetary support to purchase food and food vouchers and $50,000 in monetary support to support families with housing and other essential items during the pandemic.
“Community is a big part of the MINI brand ethos, whether gathering for a drive with like-minded MINI fans, or engaging in the communities where we work and live to make them a better place.” said Linda White, Manager of Government and External Affairs for BMW of North America, LLC. “That’s why we’re pleased to support the Brotherhood Crusade in its mission to improve quality of life in underserved communities of Los Angeles by donating the use of these MINIs.”
Charisse Bremond Weaver, Brotherhood Crusade President and CEO said, “We are thrilled to partner with BMW for granting the two MINI loaner cars. This thoughtful gesture will reinforce Brotherhood Crusade staff to transport and deliver much needed supplies to the neediest, most at-risk members of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vehicles will be utilized to deliver CHROME tablets, food and other essential items that will provide major relief for the at-risk communities we serve.”
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global emergency that is unprecedented in modern history. But through these challenging and difficult times, the Brotherhood Crusade continues to bring life changing programs and resources to families and individuals in need.
Learn more about Brotherhood Crusade and how you can make a donation to this cause here.