Toyota Mobility Foundation, Hyundai and Volkswagen today announced different donations. in the United States. Toyota Mobility Foundation. is helping the city of San Jose with artificial intelligence. Hyundai hope is donating money to food banks in Holyoke Massachusetts Volkswagen is helping build a park and Subaru is adopting classrooms.
TMF, US Ignite AI for Safer Streets in San José
The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and US Ignite proudly announce that the City of San José, California has been awarded a $260,000 grant from TMF to explore advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies to improve local traffic safety. This initiative will leverage these technologies to automatically detect road obstructions and other road hazards that may impact vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
“Applying AI to advance road safety embodies our commitment to creating and ensuring mobility for all, fostering active mobility, and improving safety,” said William Chernicoff, TMF’s Senior Manager for Global Research and Americas Projects. “For the City of San José to achieve its goal of better safeguarding vulnerable road users, people must trust the infrastructure, as reflected in its safety, security, reliability, and robustness. We are excited to share our know-how and collaborate with San José to make roads safer and higher performing for all.”
Illegal parking in bike lanes and the dumping of large objects, such as mattresses and furniture, pose significant risks to motorcyclists, bikers, pedestrians, scooter riders, and individuals using wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices. To combat these issues, San José will evaluate and assess the responsible utilization of AI and computer vision to quickly identify and address obstructions in bike lanes including how the software ensures the privacy of the public. The desired outcome of the AI-powered solution is to enable staff to improve service delivery by reallocating staff resources from identifying problems to resolving them.
“Leveraging AI to keep our bike lanes clear not only enhances public safety but also exemplifies San José’s commitment to innovative solutions,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “We are excited to work with Toyota Mobility Foundation and US Ignite to make our city safer for all road users.”
“I am proud of the City of San José’s Information Technology Department for advancing our Transportation and Aviation Services City Service Area,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “This grant enables us to continue creating meaningful impact in San José by using AI technology to enhance roadway safety in our communities and all who live in our great city.”
US Ignite, a nonprofit dedicated to helping communities address tough technology innovation challenges, will support San José leaders in this endeavor with resources, expert guidance, and specific expertise in public safety, transportation, network communications, civic engagement, and AI. Moreover, TMF relied on US Ignite’s expertise to scout potential projects and provide recommendations.
“We completed an intensive assessment round to identify the best-fitting project,” said Nick Maynard, US Ignite’s CEO. “Ultimately, the City of San José was selected because its proposed project demonstrated strength in three key areas: magnitude of impact, likelihood of success, and replicability.”
By enhancing the City’s ability to detect and address roadway issues, officials expect to achieve long-term safety improvements for walkers, cyclists, and other micromobility commuters in San José and beyond.
Maynard also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “San José’s pioneering use of AI for road safety aligns perfectly with our mission. Their innovative approach will undoubtedly inspire other cities to adopt similar technologies, driving nationwide improvements in urban mobility and safety.”
The AI and computer vision initiative aligns with the San José 2025 Better Bike Plan, which prioritizes safety, mode shift, and equity, as well as the Vision Zero San José initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries. TMF’s grant will also allow City staff to engage community-based organizations and other stakeholders on the use of AI for the public good. Moreover, officials plan to share their findings and models with partner agencies across the nation, amplifying the project’s impact.
About the City of San José
With almost one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.
Huyndai Hope for Holyoke
Hyundai Hope and Gary Rome Hyundai donated a total of $20,000 to two local food banks in Holyoke, Massachusetts to support hunger relief efforts in the community. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts received a $10,000 donation from Hyundai Hope. The Thrive Center and Food Pantry at Holyoke Community College received $5,000 from Hyundai Hope and an additional $5,000 from Gary Rome Hyundai.
“Our commitment to community well-being is at the heart of Hyundai Hope,” said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility and external relations, Hyundai Motor North America. “We are honored to continue supporting the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Thrive Center and Food Pantry at Holyoke Community College, alongside our generous dealer partner Gary Rome, to help eliminate food insecurity and build a healthier community.”
Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding their neighbors and leading the community to end hunger. Their independent food pantries, meal sites, and shelters provide food assistance to individuals, families, seniors, children, and people with disabilities so they may lead healthy and meaningful lives. The Food Bank supplies about 1 million meals to more than 100,000 people every month. This donation will help provide the equivalent of 30,000 nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity in Western Massachusetts.
The Thrive Center and Food Pantry at Holyoke Community College (HCC) offer essential support to students experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity, and other financial challenges. They supply a wide range of necessities at no cost, including food staples and toiletries, as well as baby food, diapers, and wipes for students raising families while pursuing an education. The donation will expand access to these resources, helping students overcome barriers so they can focus on their studies and find success.
“I am grateful for Hyundai and Gary Rome’s continued support and unwavering commitment to the Western Massachusetts community,” shared Jillian Morgan, director of development, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “Their generous donation comes at a crucial time when many individuals and families are facing the challenge of hunger. This donation will have an immediate impact, and we are deeply appreciative of their partnership.”
“Hyundai Motor America has proven to be an invaluable partner to Holyoke Community College, consistently supporting our Thrive Center and Food Pantry for three consecutive years,” said Julie Phillips, director of development, Holyoke Community College. “Their unwavering commitment ensures our students have access to essential resources, directly contributing to their success and well-being. Programs like these are fundamental in empowering our students to overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.”
Volkswagen Courts Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors Fund® is proud to announce a partnership with Volkswagen Group of America to build a new combination basketball/futsal court near the company’s new North American headquarters in Reston at Stratton Woods Park. The new dual-purpose court will deliver an improved basketball court combined with a new futsal venue and enhance the diversity of activities available at this vibrant community park.
Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime; it’s a cornerstone of physical and mental well-being, nurturing environmental stewards. It drives economic growth.
This partnership will see The Great Outdoors Fund and Volkswagen Group of America team up with Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) to address the pressing need to modernize recreation infrastructure for our growing and diversifying population.
The project in Stratton Woods Park responds to the increasing demand for futsal courts while actioning recommendations from FCPA’s futsal court analysis. In this case, it will see the repurposing of a highly utilized space to meet the ever-evolving needs of a wide range of community recreationists.
“We believe in the power of partnerships to drive positive change,” said Lori McCullough, Founder & CEO of The Great Outdoors Fund. “Through our partnership with Volkswagen Group of America, we’re not just transforming a basketball court and adapting it for multiple uses – we’re investing in the health and vitality of our society.”
“This partnership with The Great Outdoors Fund exemplifies Volkswagen Group of America’s values in taking responsibility for society,” said Pablo Di Si, President & CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “It also complements all the soccer programs Volkswagen supports like our presenting partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation.”
Working together with FCPA, The Great Outdoors Fund will lead project management and outreach efforts. The project is set to deliver tangible benefits for the community and park users while promoting environmental stewardship; made possible thanks to Reston’s new neighbor and good corporate citizen, Volkswagen Group of America.
“We’re ecstatic to collaborate with The Great Outdoors Fund and Volkswagen to bring this project to fruition,” said Jai Cole, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Authority. “The Park Authority is dedicated to expanding and improving diverse recreational opportunities for all residents.”
The renovation project is slated to commence immediately, with completion expected in the fall. A ribbon-cutting celebration will mark the culmination of this transformative public-private partnership in October of 2024.
Subaru Loves Classrooms
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) announced that a milestone of 750,000 students nationwide will be helped following its Subaru Loves Learning® program this year. In its fourth year partnering with AdoptAClassroom.org®, Subaru and more than 630 of its retailers will continue to provide access to the critical supplies and resources that teachers need to help their students succeed in the classroom.
According to AdoptAClassroom.org, 92% of teachers nationwide have students whose families cannot afford to purchase school supplies for their children. This has led to teachers spending an average of $860 per year to help provide for their classrooms.
Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc.: “At Subaru, we believe that every student deserves a fair opportunity at a quality education. We are incredibly proud of the progress achieved in supporting over 750,000 students, and we know the importance of continuing to support students and teachers around the country to have the best learning environment possible.”
Together, Subaru and its retailers are working to help students in high-needs* schools by providing teachers across the country with funding to purchase these supplies and resources. Many participating retailers will also be donating school supply kits with materials that are highly requested by teachers.
Ann Pifer, Executive Director of AdoptAClassroom.org: “This record number of students being supported would not be possible without the help of the Subaru community. We are grateful to extend our partnership with Subaru for a fourth year in a row and sincerely thank Subaru and its retailers for the difference they make in the lives and educational opportunities of students and teachers around the country.”
To kick off the 2024 program, Subaru will continue to support students in the Camden City School District (CCSD) by once again adopting all kindergarten to fifth grade (K-5) classrooms near the automaker’s headquarters in Camden, NJ. This latest hometown effort will impact over 2,090 students and 122 classrooms across eight different schools. Adopting every elementary school in the CCSD is just one of the many ways Subaru continues to do its part to be More Than a Car Company® for its community.
To learn more about the Subaru Loves Learning initiative and the partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, visit subaru.com/learning or follow #SubaruLovesLearning on social media.
*High-need is defined as a school that has a Title I Schoolwide Program and/or a school where 40% or more of the student population qualifies for the Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program.