Gary Jaffarian, president and CEO of Jaffarian Volvo Toyota, center, presents checks to members of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill.
Jaffarian Volvo Toyota, of Haverhill, recently launched the its Youth in Motion Fund by granting $5,000 each to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill and the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence.
Jaffarian Volvo Toyota describes the Youth in Motion Fund as a charitable program enabling “local youth in need to participate in sports and activities that provide structure, discipline, teach sportsmanship and, ultimately, promote a healthy, active lifestyle.”
“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 of 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 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,” a statement said. “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.
“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.’”
Over the years, the dealership has sponsored numerous sports teams, helped Haverhill High School build a weight room, raised more than $50,000 to offset the costs of participating in high school sports, and brought busloads of kids to Celtics and Red Sox games.