Page 16 - Mobility Management, April 2017

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Permobil Launches Non-Profit Permobil Cares Foundation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Permobil has launched Permobil Cares, a non-profit foundation introduced during March’s International Seating Symposium.
In its news announcement, Permobil said, “As the philanthropic arm of Permobil, the Permobil Cares
foundation believes that everyone deserves the opportu- nity to reach their dreams without limitations. No person should be excluded from opportunity due to a disability. This is the heart of why Permobil Cares.”
Permobil Proceeds Will Benefit Non-Profit
To fund the new organization, Permobil announced that starting March 1, it would contribute $50 for every Permobil power wheelchair, $10 for every TiLite manual wheelchair and $1 for every ROHO cushion it sells.
The foundation intends to raise additional funds through finan- cial support and donations from board members, corporate and
individual donations, and Permobil’s Charity Open golf tournament, among other fundraising events.
The money will be used to fund grants and to provide community support, college scholarships and equipment donations. Permobil Cares is working with a number of non-profit organizations in the mobility segment, including the ALS Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Christopher Reeve Foundation and the MS Society.
By visiting PermobilFoundation.org, people with mobility-related disabilities can request technology donations or ask the foundation to send volunteers
to help with fundraising events. The foundation is also involved in a number of community projects, including the building of an accessible playground.
A “Work of Heart”
“Permobil’s founder, Per Uddén, built the company with one belief: that every person has the right to mobility and independence,” said Larry Jackson, president of Permobil North America. “That same belief is as strong today as it was on day one. With the help of the Permobil
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foundation, we hope that we can build impactful rela- tionships with our customers and non-profit partners, helping to fulfill a life of independence.”
Ashley Davis, Permobil Cares’ executive director, has non-profit foundation experience, having previously worked with Make-A-Wish, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Davis said, “Working for Permobil, you see the passion that goes into building customized chairs that fit the customers’ needs. This is why our tagline, It’s a Work of Heart, is so fitting. Having a philanthropic arm of Permobil will allow us to create true partnerships with non-profit organiza- tions and give back to individuals to help them reach their dreams.” l
Permobil to Sponsor Accessible Seats at Titans’ Stadium
Permobil will sponsor accessible seating and parking at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium for the 2017 National Football League (NFL) season.
The stadium is home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.
Seating and parking areas will feature signage bearing the Permobil and Permobil Cares names.
Last year, the Titans signed former linebacker Tim Shaw to a one-day contract so he could officially retire with the team. Shaw played for the Titans from 2010 through 2012. In 2014, he announced he’d been diag- nosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He now works
to raise awareness of ALS and to raise funds to fight it. His
new memoir, Blitz Your Life, was released in January.
Tim Shaw
Ashley Davis, executive director of Permobil Cares, said Shaw recently took delivery of a Permobil power wheel- chair. Shaw was named the Titans’ most inspirational player for the 2016 season.
“Tim is inspiring, and we hope that by Tim sharing his story and showing how he is not giving up and keeping his independence, we can inspire other ALS patients
to keep fighting for a cure and a life without limitation,” Davis said. l
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