Right at Home Delivers Wheelchairs Around the World

One way to spread your brand is through good works in the local markets where your franchises are located. In the U.S. market it's called community involvement - a practice of doing well by doing good, and developing a reputation as a contributing and valuable member of the community.

Right at Home takes this philosophy overseas, most recently to Costa Rica and Vietnam, in partnership with Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM). In October, a team of 12 Right at Home representatives from across the U.S. and Canada traveled to Costa Rica where they assembled and delivered 62 wheelchairs to a variety of individuals with inspiring stories.

In November, another team of 14 Right at Home franchisees, employees, and corporate team members traveled to Vietnam with FWM, where they provided 42 wheelchairs to members of that community.

Since the program began in 2001, FWM has provided more than 1 million wheelchairs to people around the world. Their goal is to provide the next 1 million wheelchairs by 2025 - and Right at Home is committed to supporting FWM in this goal. Since beginning their partnership with FWM in 2016, the Right at Home system has raised nearly $200,000 and improved the quality of life of more 2,250 families.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70 million people around the planet need a wheelchair but cannot afford one. FWM exists to provide the gift of mobility to people with disabilities living in developing nations around the world - a gift, says Right at Home, that embodies their mission as an in-home care provider.

The partnership with FWM has allowed Right at Home to extend the reach of its mission beyond the 8 countries it operates in through its participation in, and support of, FWM Vision Trips.

"We're absolutely thrilled to have found a partner that shares our global vision," said FWM Development Officer Georgia Kloos. "This initiative is really special and powerful, and we have benefited greatly from Right at Home's resources. The brand feels like an extension of us, and we are so grateful for this relationship."

"After such a memorable first Vision Trip in Costa Rica in 2017, we knew our partnership with Free Wheelchair Mission would evolve to be extremely special," said Right at Home CEO and President Brian Petranick. "The enthusiasm for this initiative throughout the entire system has been nothing short of inspiring, and we are grateful to have completed our third Vision Trip as a franchise system." In fact, he adds, "We're just getting started.":

A profile of Petranick, president and CEO of RiseMark Brands, parent company of Right at Home, Right at Home International, and IKOR International, will be available online toward the end of January.

Right at Home's goal for 2019 is to raise $88,000 for FWM - enough for two containers of wheelchairs. To get involved or learn more about the Right at Home and FWM partnership, click here.