Australian Franchise News – 18-09-12
The United Franchise Group partners with Dreamfit in their effort to design and build innovative equipment for people with disabilities.
The United Franchise Group’s and their franchisees’ commitment to social responsibility continues to extend beyond B2B training and support. EmbroidMe and SIGNARAMA, two of the group’s leading global franchises lead the way in partnering with non-profit/charity businesses achieve their goals. One of the notable relationships in recent times is the group’s association with the DreamFit Foundation, an organisation that focuses on designing and producing equipment for people with disabilities to take part in lifestyle and recreational activities that are otherwise beyond their reach.
Dreamfit has been developing recreational equipment and lifestyle programs for people with disabilities since 2003. Some of their innovative designs include a wheelchair-accessible hovercraft and ski boat, seated surfboard, and a wheelchair-accessible abseiling tower.
However, it all began with a hand-controlled motorcycle. Darren Lomman, CEO and founder of Dreamfit was inspired by Shane, a former motocross champion who became a T6 paraplegic following an accident. Darren was still a mechanical engineering student at The University of Western Australia when he met Shane, who confided in Darren his wish to be able to ride again.
Darren then spent the next three years designing a hand-controlled motorcycle for paraplegics and people with other leg disabilities. The Foundation now has engineering students from The University of Western Australia volunteer their time to work on a variety of innovative projects.
Ashley Whitworth of EmbroidMe Perth CBD and SIGNARAMA Joondalup’s Craig Mason have been instrumental in providing work to DreamFit who embark on a number of projects to optimise the quality of life for people living with disabilities. According to Craig Mason of SIGNARAMA Joondalup, a chance meeting with Lauren, a representative of DreamFit was what initiated the franchise’s partnership.
The Foundation was in search of the cheapest possible quotes for a job. Lauren’s eagerness and flexibility to reduce a wheel graphic got Craig Mason to rope in their key suppliers to supply vinyl while SIGNARAMA Joondalup supplied the ink and labour to complete DreamFit’s order at no additional cost. Owner of EmbroidMe Perth CB, Ashley Whitworth, also supports the Foundation’s cause by supplying merchandise at a discount or cost price.
For the franchises and DreamFit, the benefits of such a partnership are enormous. While DreamFit continues to help people with disabilities, EmbroidMe and SIGNARAMA do their bit for the community and have a great opportunity to build loyal vendor relationships and expand their network.
About Dreamfit: DreamFit Foundation is a Western Australian not for-profit-organisation involved in creating innovative engineering projects for people with disabilities. The foundation actively works towards bringing industry, academia, government and community together to fulfill dreams and overcome the challenges and frustrations of people with disabilities.
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