GROTON, Mass., Oct. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ally Financial and
BraunAbility joined together to donate a wheelchair-accessible
vehicle to a student and his family during Groton-Dunstable High
School's last football game of the season today. Inspired by the
family's story, Ally and BraunAbility collaborated with local
dealership MobilityWorks to provide the family with a new, reliable
vehicle.
The companies presented a 2016 BraunAbility Dodge side-entry
wheelchair van to Chamberlain "Lain" MacDonald and his parents
during a surprise ceremony at the beginning of the game's third
quarter. Lain is a sophomore at the school, excels academically and
is known as #49 on the football team. Born with cerebral palsy, he
has endured five surgeries to improve motor function, but remains
quadriplegic and dependent on his wheelchair as a sole method of
independent transportation. Lain's parents, Charity and Kirk MacDonald, were concerned for
the security and reliability of their current vehicle, on which the
family of five – including Lain's two younger sisters – relies.
"We were inspired by the MacDonald family's story and dedication
to not only their son, but their entire community and the
well-being of others in similar situations," said Greg
Walters, director of strategic alliances at Ally. "With the
vehicle donation from Ally and BraunAbility, the family can now be
secure in their primary transportation method and relieved of
financial concerns regarding the vehicle."
Ally, BraunAbility and MobilityWorks representatives were onsite
for the surprise, and Lain's family, team and schoolmates
gathered.
"Many of us take for granted automotive independence — the
ability to get in your car and go," said Greg Kiser, vice president of sales at
BraunAbility. "Until now, every trip Lain and his family took
needed a back-up plan and a prayer. We know this
wheelchair-accessible vehicle will change their lives and allow
them to continue to positively impact their community."
About Ally Financial Inc.
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:
ALLY) is a leading digital financial services company and a top 25
U.S. financial holding company offering financial products for
consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and corporate clients.
Ally's legacy dates back to 1919, and the company was redesigned in
2009 with a distinctive brand, innovative approach and relentless
focus on its customers. Ally has an award-winning online bank (Ally
Bank Member FDIC), one of the largest full service auto finance
operations in the country, a complementary auto-focused insurance
business, a growing digital wealth management and online brokerage
platform, and a trusted corporate finance business offering capital
for equity sponsors and middle-market companies.
The company had approximately $157.9 billion in assets
as of June 30, 2016. For more information, visit the Ally
press room at http://media.ally.com or follow Ally on
Twitter: @AllyFinancial
About BraunAbility
BraunAbility is the world's
leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles and
wheelchair lifts in the mobility industry. Founded nearly 50 years
ago by Ralph Braun, the corporation
was built on the age-old adage, "Necessity is the mother of
invention." Ralph Braun was a young
man who used a wheelchair and had no reliable transportation to and
from his place of work. He built his first wheelchair accessible
vehicle in 1972, and since then the company has grown into the most
well-known and trusted name in the mobility industry, bringing
independence to millions of individuals across the world.
About MobilityWorks
MobilityWorks (aka WMK, LLC) is a
Cleveland, Ohio-based Inc. 500
company that employs specially trained Certified Mobility
Consultants to work closely with its clients to understand their
specific transportation needs in finding the right vehicle
solution. Founded in 1997 with one location, MobilityWorks has
been recognized on the Inc. 500|5000 list of Inc. Magazine's
fastest growing privately held companies for the past ten years.
MobilityWorks Commercial is the largest provider of commercial
wheelchair vans in the country. TransitWorks, located in
Akron Ohio, is the manufacturing
division of WMK, LLC and is Ford Motor Company's largest mobility
upfitter. Learn more about MobilityWorks at
www.mobilityworks.com.
Media contact:
Desirée Chavis
646-781-2544
desiree.chavis@ally.com
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SOURCE Ally Financial