Jaffarian Volvo Toyota, a full-service, award-winning family-owned dealership, has just 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, 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. 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 the clubs, and meetings with the directors. A fundamental need emerged to help local youth get involved in sports and activities they may not otherwise have opportunities to participate in or try. Jaffarian selected the Boys & Girls Clubs as they are perfectly positioned to identify needs and allocate funds that will further that mission. The funds will be used to support positive “in-motion” behaviors like team sports, dancing, swimming, and martial arts classes.
“Supporting youth sports/activities has been central to the Jaffarian culture from day one,” says Gary Jaffarian, president and CEO of Jaffarian Volvo Toyota. “My grandparents started this tradition and, as a third generation owner, I strive to keep that important legacy alive and well. 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.”
“The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill is thrilled with the creation of the Jaffarian Youth in Motion Fund,” says Brian Theirrien, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill. “Jaffarian’s commitment to directly support our ‘most-in-need’ club members is creative, inspiring, and unique.”
Markus Fischer, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence concurs: “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. 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.”
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 over $50,000 to offset the costs of participating in high school sports, and brought busloads of kids to Celtics and Red Sox games.
“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,” says Jaffarian. “We’re delighted to extend those benefits to youth in our community through our relationship with the Greater Haverhill and Lawrence Boys & Girls Clubs.”