BUFFALO, N.Y. — Western New York Hyundai Dealers held its annual 'Salute to Heroes' giveaway and gifted a brand new 2024 Hyundai Kona to a very well deserving veteran on Thursday outside of KeyBank Center.
The event is held annually, and first began in 2021 as a way to give back to the community.
Christopher Rodriguez was this year's veteran, chosen for his selfless acts that drove him to join to military. Rodriguez is a disabled USMC veteran and Dunkirk native.
Before being awarded the new car, Christopher had been driving around a beat-up 2007 vehicle that was being held held together by ropes.
Part of his nomination described how Rodriguez, along with a group of friends, created a podcast called "Small town, BIG MINDS," where group shares dialogue on how we can reorganize low-income communities.
He is also a board member of a nonprofit group called Kids at Promise. The group focuses on youth development through boxing.
In doing this, it is the dealer's mission to acknowledge the ordinary people in the Western New York community who selflessly do heroic things.
To learn more or nominate someone visit hyundaisalutetoheroes.com
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