Tire Pros steps up 'Allies' fundraising efforts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 1, 2016) — American Tire Distributors Inc.'s Tire Pros dealer network is planning to fundraise this summer for wounded U.S. service veterans under a newly launched “Allies for Independence” charitable initiative.

Funds raised from the “Allies for Independence” campaign will be used to provide custom all-terrain mobility devices to veterans through a partnership with the Independence Fund, a nonprofit organization that empowers severely wounded veterans and their caregivers to take control of their lives.

“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,” said Ron Sinclair, chief marketing officer for ATD and Tire Pros.

Fundraising will take place at participating Tire Pros locations from June through November, ATD said. Customers wishing to participate will have multiple ways to give, including a campaign website at www.alliesforindy.org.

Tire Pros states on the site it hopes to raise more than $1.5 million for the Independence Fund and deliver approximately 100 all-terrain wheelchairs to eligible veterans.

Each Tire Pros store will have its own fundraising webpage that will enable customers to make hassle-free donations via credit card or e-check, ATD said, and each location will have a dedicated collection box at the point of sale for cash or check donations.

Individual Tire Pros dealers also will offer special promotions and giving opportunities unique to their location.

For example, six Tire Pros dealers in southern California are organizing “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 (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, 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.”

The “Allies for Independence” program was unveiled at Tire Pros' annual dealer business conference earlier this year in San Diego, where three veterans were surprised with presentations of all-terrain wheelchairs tailored specifically for their needs.

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, ATD said.

“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,” said B. Quick Chadwick, director of marketing for Tire Pros. “That, along with their commitment to their communities and the veteran community made our alliance with The Independence Fund a natural fit.”

There are more than 725 Tire Pros points of sale across the country, ATD said.

To support the effort, Tire Pros and the Independence Fund will travel to select stores and major sporting events nationwide to present chairs to other veterans in need, ATD said.

A branded Dodge Ram truck and 40-foot 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.