Tire Pros, a division of American Tire Distributors (ATD), has launched a charitable initiative created to support and mobilize severely wounded veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Funds raised from the “Allies for Independence” campaign will go to provide custom all-terrain mobility devices to veterans.
Tire Pros is partnering with The Independence Fund, a nonprofit organization that empowers severely wounded veterans and the caregivers who support them to take control of their lives.
“We are excited to invite members of the local communities in which we operate to give to the Allies for Independence campaign and demonstrate their appreciation for our nation’s veterans,” says Ron Sinclair, chief marketing officer for ATD and Tire Pros. “Through our partnership with The Independence Fund, we will honor those who have sacrificed for the good of our nation and help these veterans transform their lives toward a better future.”
Fundraising will take place at participating Tire Pros locations through November 2016, and customers will have multiple ways to give, including online at www.alliesforindy.org.
Each Tire Pros store also has a unique fundraising webpage that will enable customers to make hassle-free donations via credit card or electronic check.
In addition, some Tire Pros dealers will offer special promotions and giving opportunities unique to their location. Six Tire Pros dealers in southern California have created The Independence Ride, a 3-, 8- and 62-mile bicycle ride in November with all donations benefiting the campaign. Other dealers are matching customer contributions and hosting fundraising sales at their stores like Bud Luppino of Bud’s Tire Pros (3 locations in Moreno Valley, Orangecrest and Riverside, Calif.), who is celebrating his 25th anniversary and will match up to $5,000 in customer donations through July 9.
“Tire Pros has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping those veterans who have given so much both overseas and on the home front, making them the ideal partner for this initiative” said Staff Sgt. Tommy Rieman, executive director of The Independence Fund. “Through the Allies for Independence initiative we will provide veterans with the resources they need to move forward and build a strong foundation toward lasting emotional and physical healing.”
Customized according to each veteran’s injuries, lifestyle and family goals, the all-terrain wheel chairs allow them to conquer sand, snow, gravel, and water to enjoy activities like beach visits, golf, fishing and hunting.
“Our elite, independent tire dealers certainly know a thing or two about providing mobility solutions and getting their customers in, out and on the road safely. That, along with their commitment to their communities and the veteran community made our alliance with The Independence Fund a natural fit,” says Quick Chadwick, director of marketing for Tire Pros. “We are truly honored to help veterans regain their independence.”
Tire Pros unveiled its Allies for Independent program at its annual dealer meeting in February, and surprised three veterans with presentations of all-terrain wheelchairs tailored specifically for their needs.
This summer, Tire Pros and the Independence Fund will travel to select stores and major sporting events nationwide to present chairs to other veterans in need. A branded Dodge Ram truck and 40’ trailer, along with Hootie the Owl, Tire Pros’ official mascot, and key members from both organizations will attend scheduled chair giveaways at a New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, and LA Galaxy games, among others.
To learn more about Tire Pros’ “Allies for Independence” initiative and fundraising activities, visit www.alliesforindy.org. Go to www.independencefund.org to learn more about the Independence Fund.
For more information about Tire Pros, visit www.TirePros.com.
