CARMA Project provides wheels for those in need

CENTRAL OKANAGAN – Life just got a little easier for a pair of single moms in Kelowna who each picked up the keys to new car.

Lena Jung and Kalista Copes where chosen by the CARMA Project, as the recipients of two refurbished vehicles, a 1999 Toyrotal RAV4 and a 1996 Chevy Lumina.

Jung and her 15-month-old daughter Penelope drove off in the Lumina while Copes and her 2-year-old son Davian drove away in the RAV4.

The CARMA Project is the brain child of Penny and Bruce Stranaghan, owners of Integra Tire Kelowna, who began refurbishing donated vehicles and giving them to deserving applicants in 2011.

Since then, the project has given away nine vehicles, including the two from today, and repaired four more.

The vehicles are given a mechanical and safety makeover by the mechanics at Integra. Other community businesses and sponsors provide a gift basket for the trunk of each car, as well as a limo ride and salon makeover for the two delighted recipients.

“The project’s intention is to encourage members of the community to come together and help another member of the community get going,” according to the project’s website.

Applications for the next CARMA Project recipient can be made online.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.