BMW helps the Red Cross

Many automakers the world over have committed to help various organizations which provide aid to those in need, left in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Closer to home, BMW has donated 17 vehicles to the Red Cross Foundation which will assist them in supporting those in desperate need.

Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said the loan of the cars was aimed at providing help where it is needed most. “The Red Cross is a symbol of hope for people in need across the world, and it really is an honour to support their work in the fight against this terrible virus in South Africa,” Mr Abbott said.

Mabel Koketso, interim CEO of the South African Red Cross Society, said that the society “depends on donations from generous institutions like BMW South Africa to carry out its statutory mandate of providing humanitarian services across the length and breadth of South Africa”.

“The loan of the vehicles by BMW allows the SARCS to provide a more comprehensive service.  The SARCS can now reach more people and widen its geographical coverage in all branches.  The Mpumalanga region has just been re-opened, and the vehicle that will be deployed there will ensure that more people can receive services”, she said.

The vehicles consist of various models, chief among which is the locally built BMW X3 which in itself is a special thing as South African hands built the car which is going to save South African lives in these devastating times.

Furthermore, BMW dealerships open many essential services that rely on BMW vehicles will be able to have their vehicles taken care of. This has meant that vehicles driven by the South African Police Services, Metro Police departments, medical personnel and the private vehicles of essential services workers have had the servicing and roadside assistance support they have required from the outset of the lockdown.