General Motors’ GMC will contribute up to $2 million by the end of 2016 to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which raises funds to build custom-designed, specially-adapted homes called Smart Homes for the most catastrophically-injured American service members. The donation is in honor of Military Appreciation Month as well as a part of the ongoing relationship between GMC and the veteran support program known as Building for America’s Bravest.
The brand is asking people across the country to “enlist to unlist” the more than 200 severely-injured service men and women currently waiting for smart homes. The campaign is a continuation of the #enlistme activity started last year. GMC has also enlisted the support of actor Josh Duhamel as the campaign ambassador in an effort to raise awareness and positively impact the lives of these courageous service members.
“I grew up near a military base in North Dakota. My aunt was in the military and completed a number of tours overseas and my grandfather was a proud veteran. I feel it’s my duty as an American, and as a supporter of our veterans, to do as much as I can to bring awareness to the work of Building for America’s Bravest,” said Duhamel, when asked why he chose to take on the position. “I have owned a GMC truck since 2004, so when GMC asked me to step up and work with them, it was a no-brainer. I hope you will join me in enlisting to support this incredible cause.”
Speaking about the importance of the #enlistme campaign, U.S. Vice President of GMC, Duncan Aldred added: “GMC supports the military all year round, but we are especially excited to work with Josh Duhamel during Military Appreciation Month to raise awareness for Building for America’s Bravest. The GMC brand is about precision and attention to detail across our vehicles, and as such, it makes sense for us to support the building of precise smart homes to give these heroes a sense of independence and comfort.”
The #enlistme campaign features two pieces of unique content. Hosted by Duhamel, they introduce viewers to some of the veterans who have benefitted from the program. The first is a short clip, titled GMC #enlistme 360 Skydive. It shows two disabled vets going for a skydive in order to celebrate the liberty that Smart Homes can offer. The second is a documentary-style film in which Duhamel meets Marine Sgt. Ben Tomlinson at his smart home in Jacksonville, Alabama to speak with Tomlinson and his family about their journey and the positive impact this home has had on his life.
Comments
I’m very surprised Chevrolet isn’t doing something like this. Chevy has historically been seen as the ‘red,white & blue’ patriotic company in the fold. Good on GM’s part for doing this but Chevrolet should really step up to the plate here too.
Yeah, way to go GMC. Now Chevy needs to step up to the plate and do something.