NE Valley Times

To help small businesses across the area, the Neighborhood of Automotive Repair Professionals (NARPRO) has launched a new program called COVID MAD (Community of Valiant Individuals Determined to Make a Difference).

The organization has offices across the valley, including Phoenix.

“As small business owners, we at NARPRO understand the value of community, especially at this time when social distancing is necessary,” Glen Hayward, owner of Goodworks Auto Repair, told the Scottsdale Independent. “That’s why we developed the COVID MAD program, to support other small businesses like ourselves. We want to turn our emotions of anger and fear into something positive and to encourage a ‘pay-it-forward mentality’ for individuals and other local businesses.”

There are several pieces to this program. According to the NARPRO news release, part of the program is to honor a specific community partner each week, in an attempt to give back to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown. Locally-owned small businesses forced to change operations by the COVID-19 crisis. Organizations can be submitted online.

NARPRO shops will buy five $50 gift cards, which they will distribute to random NARPRO customers throughout the week. The chosen business will be promoted throughout the week on NARPRO’s Facebook page as well. The organization will also donate $250 in gift cards to first responders.