Drew Lemen of Richmond, BC

Congratulations Drew!

Drew Lemen, a retired BC public servant, was an ideal candidate for BEST's new AutoObesity program.  With two cars for two people, his household had more vehicles than necessary—so he decided to donate one to BEST. Drew gets a charitable tax receipt for his donation and a special class of BEST membership that entitles him to participate in other programs if he wishes, such as transportation planning services, a one year deposit-free Car Co-op membership and/or a one year Zip car membership, and other services he may need to help him switch to active and sustainable transportation.

AutoObesity assists people in making the transition to a healthier and less car-dependent lifestyle. Drew recognizes that even though having a personal car is convenient, it also has downsides.  “I’d really like to lose this afternoon coffee hour gut,” he remarked in his meeting with us to discuss his donation. "Cycling and walking regularly will help me do that."

In addition to the connection he’s made between his fitness and his car, Lemen recognizes his contribution to the traffic and noise of the street in front of his apartment. He is dismayed that so much of the public space around him is dedicated solely to cars, with less consideration for other people who use the streets, like walkers, cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers.  He knows that giving up his car will help make the streets friendlier and the air cleaner--and, he wants to do his bit to fight climate change and reduce his GhG footprint.

But perhaps Drew’s most immediate reason for donating his car is the money he’ll save annually and get an additional first year benefit from his charitable tax receipt. The simple cost breakdown of car ownership on our website convinced him to give up his car and start biking and taking transit.  The average car costs between $8000 and $10,000 per year to own and operate, taking into account insurance, licensing, financing, maintenance, fuel, and depreciation of value. "Anything that saves me that much money is worth looking into." he said. He looks forward to saving this money every year. Plus, it was a lot easier to donate it and do some good, than go through the hassle and uncertainty of trying to sell it himself.

Lemen commutes twice a week to Kitsilano and once a week to Burnaby to tutor English to ESL high school students on a volunteer basis, all told over 100 KM per week. Using transit, cycling, and walking will be different, but he looks forward to getting more fresh air and exercise, without having to drive to the beach or the gym.

Drew is glad the the AutoObesity program recognizes that families may still need a vehicle, or access to a vehicle, for those times and trips that can't be done any other way. Now that he's committing to being a multi-modal traveler, his options have actually increased. Drew recognizes that over the past years, he has become dependent on his personal car, and he knows that for people around him who share that dependence, “It’s hard to let go,” but he's willing to set an example.

Congratulations Drew!