Humane Society of Huron Valley Wins Toyota Tundra in Online Competition

Animal rescuers in Washtenaw County will have a new tool to add to their arsenal, thanks to a donation from Toyota Motor Corp.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley has been named as a recipient in Toyota's "100 Cars for Good" online competition, which awards 100 vehicles during the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations.

HSHV will receive a new Toyota Tundra, a full-size pickup that will help its cruelty and rescue department save more animals, said Deb Kern, marketing director for the shelter.

"Our cruelty and rescue department is dispatched all over the county, and our current van is in need of repair," Kern said. "We were super happy that we won after going up against some pretty substantial national nonprofits."

Winners of the "100 Cars for Good" program are determined based on votes cast by the public. Each day, five organizations are profiled on Toyota's Facebook page, where the public is invited to show support by voting to determine the winning nonprofit organization.

Kern said the rescue department is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We rescue sick or injured pets as well as wild animals," she said. "We work closely with area animal rehabilitation organizations on a daily basis."

Jim Wiseman, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America Inc., said he is consistently amazed with the public's response during the "100 Cars for Good" program.

“The outpouring of support and interest has been tremendous,” Wiseman said in a press release. “It is amazing to see how this program has brought individuals, organizations and communities together. We are equally excited to see the Humane Society of Huron Valley utilize its new vehicle to make an even greater impact in the community.”

Public voting for the "100 Cars for Good" program began May 9 and will continue through Aug. 16. Voters may cast one vote per day during the course of the program. Each day, the previous day's winner is announced, and five new nonprofit organizations are featured for voting.