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GM Foundation Donates $150,000 to MADD


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DETROIT--Oct. 24, 2013: The General Motors Foundation is donating $150,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving to expand prevention education initiatives and provide support services to victims of drunk driving crashes and their families.

In 2011, drunk driving killed more than 9,800 people and injured approximately 315,000. To aid in recovery, MADD provides services to one victim every 8.6 minutes at no charge. Last year alone, 61,000 people received help from the organization.

"Keeping drivers and passengers safe in and around vehicles is a top priority for our company and this grant is another example of our dedication to vehicle safety in every form," said Michael Robinson, GM vice president of Sustainability and Global Regulatory Affairs. "Until we reach the point where impaired driving and related tragedies are eliminated, we'll continue to support MADD's commitment to addressing the problem."

Since 1995, the GM Foundation has donated grants totaling nearly $3.9 million to support MADD's drunk-driving prevention and victim recovery work, and to raise awareness on the importance of having a designated driver.

In addition to funding victims' services like counseling, medical, and legal support, a portion of the GM Foundation grant will be dedicated to the Power of Parents program. This initiative offers materials and workshops to give parents the tools they need to help prevent underage drinking.

"This contribution will help MADD achieve its mission by allowing us to serve more drunk driving victims and prevent underage drinking," said MADD National President Jan Withers.