The Tire Pros division of American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) is harnessing the power of its nationwide network of 700 dealer locations to equip wounded American servicemen and women with all-terrain wheelchairs customized to their specific needs and interests.
The “Allies for Independence” campaign was unveiled at the Tire Pros dealer conference this week in San Diego, Calif.
The campaign will be conducted in partnership with The Independence Fund, a leading national veterans’ non-profit organization that offers tools, therapies and resources that are otherwise unavailable to American veterans with service-related disabilities. Tire Pros’ Allies for Independence will specifically support The Independence Fund’s mobility program, which to date has provided more than 1,400 all-terrain wheelchairs to those suffering a loss of mobility in service to our country.
Tire Pros dealers will work within their markets to raise money and awareness for the organization, which was founded in 2007 and has enjoyed support from such high-profile individuals as Fox News host Bill O’Reilly.
A highlight of the program will be a series of promotions around key patriotic holidays – including Tire Pros’ Local Dealer Days in November, coinciding with Veteran’s Day – where local dealers will help their communities honor and support wounded veterans in their hometowns.
Allies for Independence is part of a broader partnership between ATD and The Independence Fund, both of which are based in the Charlotte, N.C., area. ATD previously donated $100,000 to The Independence Fund at its ATD Charity Golf Tournament awards dinner last October.
“Tire Pros is excited to launch Allies for Independence in support of the servicemen and women who sacrificed so much to safeguard our freedom,” says Tire Pros President Dan Brown. “Our commitment at Tire Pros is to make tire buying hassle-free, so we’re also on a mission to mobilize our wounded veterans and make it easier for them to enjoy their favorite activities.”
Customized according to each veteran’s injuries, lifestyle and family goals, the chairs allow them to conquer sand, snow, gravel and water to enjoy activities like beach visits, golf, fishing and hunting.
“We are incredibly appreciative for the Allies for Independence partnership with Tire Pros and its family of dealers,” says Independence Fund Executive Director Tommy Rieman.
“This effort will not only raise money to provide equipment that directly benefits our wounded heroes, but also raise national awareness about our organization and its priorities while significantly enriching and expanding our base of supporters across the country.”
Tire Pros’ family of independent dealers will collect donations from customers throughout 2016 to fund the provision of more chairs, which cost an average of $16,000 apiece. The brand is working to organize a summer road show that includes visiting select Tire Pros dealers near U.S. military bases to raise awareness for the Independence Fund, which directs more than 94% of all proceeds raised to providing resources to injured veterans and their caregivers.
The program was unveiled at Tire Pros’ annual dealer business conference in San Diego, where three veterans were surprised with presentations of all-terrain wheelchairs tailored specifically for their needs.
Don Walters Jr. was given an All-Terrain Action TrackChair during the presentation. Walters was an Infantry SGT in the US Army from January 2001 until October 2007 when he was medically retired due to injuries sustained while deployed to Iraq on two separate deployments.
Steven McGuire was given an X8 Extreme 4X4 Power All-Terrain Power Wheelchair during the presentation. McGuire was a Petty Officer 2nd class in the Navy and was paralyzed from the waist down after an accident.
Kevin Trimble was presented with an Ally Segway Wheelchair. Trimble lost his arm and both legs below the knee when a bomb exploded in Afghanistan.
“Allies for Independence is perfectly aligned with the character of our brand as well as the values of our customers and the make-up of our family of dealers, many of whom are military veterans themselves," says Brown.
"As independent dealers, they can appreciate the importance of helping wounded veterans regain some of the independence they sacrificed in service to our country. And the opportunity to help a specific individual or family is consistent with our commitment to giving back to the communities in which we do business.”
Tire Pros brings tire dealers together under a shared national brand and offers them dedicated retail sales consultation and marketing support, training, financial management and additional enhancements to help them compete in today’s fast-changing retail marketplace. Tire Pros dealers offer consumers a variety of programs, including an industry-leading warranty package featuring complimentary roadside assistance that is honored at over 30,000 service centers nationwide. To learn more, visit www.TirePros.com.
