LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Dec. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XPLORE Vehicles launched its new CHRISTMAS JEEP Project today, inviting Jeep owners around the country to decorate their off-road vehicles with lights, ornaments and more and then use them to deliver toys to kids in need. The XPLORE Christmas Jeep is an off-road ready Wrangler decorated with an 8-foot Christmas tree complete with working lights, ornaments and laurel and is fully drivable, even at highway speeds. It is collecting toys for patients at Children's Hospital Orange County (CHOC) in time for Christmas.
To launch the program, XPLORE is inviting off-road enthusiasts across the country to submit photos of their own holiday-themed vehicles to the XPLORE Facebook page, and the best rigs will win prizes including XPLORE hats. Moving forward, Xplore will work with four-wheeling clubs, families and business to help them organize their own CHRISTMAS JEEP Project to benefit a local children's hospital or worthy cause.
The project was inspired by Cody Day, a remarkable young man who loved off-roading with his father, Dave Day. He was diagnosed with cancer at age nine and succumbed to the disease earlier this year. Dave promised Cody that when he recovered, they would buy a Jeep and build it for four-wheeling in Southern California deserts. Orange County based Motive Club organized Jeep parts manufacturers including ARB USA, BF Goodrich, Warn, Jeeps R Us and 4Wheel Parts to build the H.E.R.O. Jeep for Cody.
"It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to know Cody and the Day family," states Ron Flint, Director for the XPLORE Program. "His courage, heart, humor and sweet spirit have changed the way I look at life. We know he is looking down from Heaven and loving that we are combining his love for Jeeps with his desire to help encourage other kids that are fighting cancer and serious health issues".
People wishing to participate in the CHRISTMAS JEEP program can visit the XPLORE Facebook page to post photos of their own Jeep or ideas for the 2012 Christmas Jeep – or contact Orange County Children's Hospital to donate toys directly at (714) 997-3000.
About XPLORE
XPLORE Adventure Series is a specialty line of vehicles designed to deliver the great outdoors to enthusiasts and their families. XPLORE Vehicles are avaialble in four Stages of build with increasing levels of equipment and off-road capability. XPLORE vehicles are available at select new car dealers and directly from XPLORE. A portion of profits from all XPLORE vehicles is donated to the National Park Foundation. For more information on XPLORE, please visit www.xplorevehicles.com.
About Venchurs
Venchurs Inc., a successful minority owned business located in Adrian, Michigan, has been serving the automotive OEM and aftermarket industries for more than 30 years, specializing in kit-packaging, order management, and service based logistics. Their newest division, Venchurs Vehicle Systems, manages, develops and markets specialty vehicle assembly and sales programs, and is now certified as an official Qualified Vehicle Modifier for Ford. Combining employee longevity with industry experience, Venchurs provides high quality products and exceptional customer service. For more information visit www.Venchurs.com or www.VenchursVehicles.com.