Nonprofit Helps Vets ‘Continue Mission’ in Civilian Life

Sgt. Josh Hansen and his wife, Melissa, founded the organization, Continue Mission, to help veterans returning from war transition to happy, healthy civilian lives.

“‘Continue mission’ is something we say in the Army,” said Josh, of Salt Lake City, Utah. “Veterans know the expression as ‘Charlie Mike.’ We want to ‘Charlie Mike’ in healing and in life.”

For Josh, who joined the Marine Corps following Sept. 11, the cause is personal. After being wounded during his tour in Iraq in 2007, he found his own transition back into civilian life more difficult than expected. Recognizing that this difficulty was experienced by many other service members, he was compelled to do make a difference.

“Let’s heal, and let’s live life to the fullest for those we lost in the war,” said Josh, a Utah native and current resident. “We need to honor them and continue on by supporting each other.”

Today, Continue Mission paves the way toward physical and mental health, and wellness for veterans by organizing recreational events — such as mountain biking, disc golf and skiing as well as community service projects that allow veterans to volunteer at local schools, churches and other civic institutions. It also offers resources and referrals for mental health support, suicide prevention, recreational therapy, employment services and education.

We here at Les Schwab Tire Centers are inspired by the work of the Hansens, all of the active and retired service members participating in Continue Mission and the work they’re doing throughout Utah. It’s an honor to support their ongoing activities as an official sponsor of this amazing organization.

To learn more, or to get involved as a volunteer, check out the Continue Mission website, and like its official Facebook page.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo Welcomes Polar Bears

After much anticipation, Utah’s Hogle Zoo recently welcomed two young polar bears, Nora and Hope. Les Schwab Tire Centers is a proud presenting sponsor of their new home and habitat exhibit.

At six days old, Nora was abandoned by her mother, so the zookeepers at Ohio’s Columbus Zoo decided to hand-rear the small bear. Without the companionship of another polar bear, Nora was unable to develop important social skills. In 2016, Nora was transferred to the Oregon Zoo to live with an elder polar bear, Tasul. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, Tasul died from ovarian cancer, leaving Nora alone again. In coordination with experts at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the Oregon Zoo decided to pair Nora with a similarly aged polar bear at Hogle Zoo

Hope, only a month older than Nora, was nearly 200 pounds heavier. Even though she was born at Ohio’s Toledo Zoo, the AZA recommended pairing the young bears together. The Hogle Zoo, with nearly 60 years of experience caring for polar bears, had available habitat. It’s been the ideal home for Hope and Nora, who seem happy to be roommates. Nora is thriving with the much-needed socialization she has gained from Hope’s friendship.

Les Schwab’s sponsorship funds the Hogle Zoo’s Rocky Shores habitat, which includes a specially designed facility for the study and conservation of polar bears. The zoo is a leader in conservation and allocates funding and resources toward saving polar bears and five other species.

We’re proud that our partnership provides a safe, enriching environment for these animals and a way for the community to connect with and learn about them in meaningful ways.

Utah Mom Receives Les Schwab Award

As any parent can tell you, children are often the catalyst for us to extend our commitment to serving others. Brittanie Flint’s 2-year-old son, Lincoln, who has Down syndrome, was her inspiration for bringing a GiGi’s Playhouse to Utah.

Last year, over the course of 11 months, Brittanie and a group of moms raised more than $100,000 in donations to establish a local GiGi’s Playhouse. The Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, which is free to all individuals with DS, now serves approximately 200 families each month with the help of 400 volunteers, and it continues to attract an average of $35,000 a month in donations and sponsorships.

Making a Difference in Utah

Les Schwab is always eager to recognize others who are making a difference in our community, so in January, Mike McCarty, manager of the Odgen, Utah store, and a crew of 12 other Utah Les Schwab managers assembled in the Good Things Utah television studio to present the 2015 Do the Right Thing award. They gave Brittanie a check for $1,500 to help her expand GiGi’s Playhouse.

Les Schwab is honored to present this year’s grand prize award to an outstanding Utah resident who shares our commitment to service and contributing to our communities. Our Do the Right Thing contest is a way for us to recognize people in Utah who have a positive impact on the lives of others.

GiGi’s Playhouse Foundation

The first GiGi’s Playhouse was founded in Illinois in 2003 to empower people with Down syndrome to achieve their greatest potential. Now, 24 GiGi’s Playhouses across the country serve children and adults of all ages, offering 30 educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families. The organization’s global message is acceptance, and its members and volunteers work tirelessly to change society’s outdated perceptions about the amazing potential of individuals with Down syndrome.

Les Schwab in the Utah Community

Les Schwab wants to celebrate people all over Utah who are doing the right thing. Some are saving lives; others are giving their time and effort to help those in need. If you’d like to nominate someone, visit this website: https://www.abc4.com/gtu/doing-the-right-thing. Nominees are announced on Good Things Utah weekly, and monthly winners are featured on the show in recognition of their service. They also receive a gift basket and $100 gift certificate from Les Schwab.