Subaru of America, Inc. and Local Subaru Retailers Partner with Make-A-Wish® New Jersey to Deliver Surprise Wish for 8-Year-Old Camden Boy
Convoy of Subaru Vehicles Led by Camden County Police Department Delivers Shopping Spree Wish Items Outside Antonio’s Home
On Friday December 11th at 3:00PM, eight-year-old Antonio of Camden, New Jersey received the surprise of a lifetime – a fleet of Subaru vehicles, led by a Camden County Police Department escort, drove past his home, each car carrying gifts that Antonio wished for during his virtual shopping spree just a few weeks prior.
Antonio, who courageously battles a critical, life-threatening illness, was completely unaware that his wish would come true on Friday afternoon. His wish for an online shopping spree has been granted thanks to support from Subaru through their annual Subaru Share the Love Event. Through Jan. 4, 2021, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased nationwide to the customer's choice of participating national charities, including Make-A-Wish. As a proud supporter of Make-A-Wish since 2011, Subaru is honored to sponsor this wish for such an inspirational and resilient child.
The fleet of Subaru vehicles, driven by representatives from Subaru of America, Lester Glenn Subaru of Toms River, and Subaru of Cherry Hill, was escorted by the Camden County Police Department past Antonio’s home at 3:00PM. Antonio’s family brought him outside their home just in time for him to experience the thrill of a lifetime when his new friends from Subaru arrived in cars filled with Antonio’s wish gifts. Make-A-Wish New Jersey and the Camden County Police Department unloaded the packages in front of Antonio’s home as drivers, police officers, and Make-A-Wish staff waved and cheered for Antonio from a safe distance on his Wish Day, delivering hope and joy into Antonio’s life when it is needed most.
Antonio was diagnosed with a critical, life-threatening illness that qualified him for a wish from Make-A-Wish. According to his mother Rachel, Antonio is energetic, enthusiastic, and sweet with a warm heart and a deep love of his younger brother. Antonio has struggled with his cancer diagnosis. He doesn’t fully understand his illness and it has been difficult for him and his family, but he has faced his challenges with a positive attitude and a smile, even when he must stay overnight at the hospital. For Antonio and his family, a wish-come-true brings joy during a difficult time. Antonio loves Hot Wheels, race cars, the Disney movie Cars - Antonio quite clearly has a deep love of cars, so it was a perfect fit for Make-A-Wish to partner with Subaru of America to deliver his wish with a fleet of vehicles driving by in his honor.
Antonio received an array of items that will bring him happiness this holiday season, including a brand new HD TV and TV Stand, a PlayStation console and games, Hot Wheels, race car tracks, an assortment of Lightning McQueen items from Disney’s Cars, a tablet, a new desktop computer, new clothes, sneakers and winter jackets, bedding, and much more.
Since becoming a national charity partner beneficiary in 2011, Make-A-Wish has received a total of more than $23 million in donations through the Subaru Share the Love Event. These funds have allowed more than 2,500 children nationwide to replace fear with confidence, anxiety with hope and sadness with joy due to the powerful impact of a wish come true. To join Subaru and others in giving renewed hope and joy this season, visit wish.org/Subaru.
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About Make-A-Wish® New Jersey
Make-A-Wish New Jersey creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life. Put simply, we believe a single wish transforms lives. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 59 chapters serving children in every community in the United States and its territories, and nearly 40 international affiliates serving children on five continents. Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983. Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 11,000 wishes since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit nj.wish.org and discover how you can help transform lives, one wish at a time.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $190 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
CONTACT:
Michael Dominick, Director of Communications, Make-A-Wish New Jersey
[email protected] / 215.272.5032 (c)
Diane Anton, Corporate Communications Manager, Subaru of America, Inc.
[email protected] / 856-488-5093