Enlarge this photo Volvo for life Awards

Since 2002, the annual Volvo for life Awards has sought out and honored more than 17,000 everyday heroes and contributed millions of dollars to their causes. Although the heroes come from every walk of life and represent the nation in all of its diversity, a common thread links everyone – winners, semi-finalists, finalists, and nominees – celebrated in the program. These heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things to make a positive difference in the lives of others. And Volvo’s grassroots program has helped these American hometown heroes continue their work to better their communities.

Of the many benefits of the program, Volvo’s charitable donations provide among the most dramatic examples of the positive impact Volvo for life Awards can have in the lives and causes of finalists and winners. This year’s heroes, for example, have used their award monies to help various causes, programs, and outreach efforts achieve ambitious goals. For example, sixteen-year-old Eli Kahn, this year’s winner i more