Celebrating Freedom, Veterans and Active Military on the Fourth of July
July is a month of celebrations. Fireworks stands start popping up in June and surreptitious “practice” fireworks can be heard long before the Fourth of July. Stores run bulk sales on hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and sodas, and people begin stockpiling all the supplies they’ll need for summer entertaining!
In both the U.S. and Canada, July marks a special time of celebration for the freedoms and blessings we enjoy, reminding us that these glorious freedoms come with a cost. A cost that continues to be paid–24/7, 365 days a year–by veterans and active military personnel who faithfully protect and serve.
- The Fourth of July marks the celebration of freedom in the U.S. Signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 was a turning point in history when America was born.
- In Canada, July 1 marks Canada Day, when Canadians celebrate becoming a self-governing federation in 1867 with four provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec.
Celebrating independence and freedom, July literally explodes with parades, barbeques, speeches, concerts, neighborhood events and incredible firework displays. We should never take our precious freedoms for granted, nor forget to honor those who keep our countries safe and free.
A legacy of thanking and helping veterans
Budget Blinds was founded in 1992 by five men who incorporated honoring veterans into the core values of the company. Military backgrounds and active service family members created an awareness and commitment to supporting veterans that has taken many forms over the years:
- Ongoing discounts assisting qualified veterans with becoming franchise business owners. To date, 10% of Budget Blinds franchise owners are veterans.
- A special Million Dollar Franchise Event in 2013/2014 that brought 35 veteran franchise owners into the system with discounts totaling one million dollars.
- Partnering with national TV shows that assist veterans, like George to the Rescue and Designing Spaces’ Military Makeover, by providing custom window coverings for home renovations.
- Partnerships with Homes for Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Canada.
- Salute Our Troops month coming in December, focusing on honoring veterans.
Homes for Our Troops
In the U.S., Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) builds specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for severely wounded veterans, post -9/11, who have suffered catastrophic injuries like loss of limbs and traumatic brain injury. These homes help veterans and their families to be able to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives. In 2014, Budget Blinds and our manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions®, committed to three years of placing faux wood blinds into all the homes HFOT would build across the country. Over the three-year partnership, a total donation of $1 million, including product, cash donations and services, will be made to Homes for Our Troops by Budget Blinds.
This partnership is possible because Budget Blinds franchise owners donate their time and expert measuring and professional installation services to the homes built in their territories. Tony Richerson, franchise owner of Budget Blinds serving Temecula, has installed the blinds in several HFOT homes and shares his heart: “With a few of my family members still deployed, I understand the sacrifices these men and women make to protect our freedom. Any opportunity to show support and gratitude to them is an honor.”
- To date, 60 HFOT homes have received custom faux wood blinds from our Signature Series® collection of high-quality window coverings.
- Budget Blinds Corporate presented a $50,000 check to HFOT in 2015, part of the $1 million commitment.
- Individual franchisees made personal contributions to HFOT in 2015 totaling over $38,000.
Wounded Warriors Canada: Honour the Fallen, Help the Living
The mission of Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) is, “To honour and support Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families.” This is realized through supporting and funding programs and services that physically and emotionally assist and support veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other casualties of war that make the transition back into civilian life especially challenging. Budget Blinds and Springs Window Fashions again join together to support and honor veterans by supporting the ministry of WWC.
- Last July at the Budget Blinds annual Canadian Summit, a $15,000 check was presented to Wounded Warriors Canada. This year’s Summit will see another donation to continue supporting the life-changing programs.
- Budget Blinds actively promotes the organization on national and local levels through social media and local area marketing materials.
- Canadian Budget Blinds franchise owners raise awareness of WWC with individual consumers during in-home consultations and throughout their communities by participating in fundraising events for WWC and promoting them at home shows.
Celebrating home
One of our greatest freedoms is to be able to live where and how you choose. You can have any style home from a trending Tiny House to a sprawling McMansion. But, wherever you call home, you will need window coverings to control light and privacy as well as to personalize and beautify your space.
Budget Blinds can help you select the perfect window treatments from our extensive collection of designer and custom blinds, shutters, shades, curtains, and drapes. Energy efficiency, child-safe cordless options, going green with natural materials like woven woods and hardwoods, and the ultimate convenience of motorization powered by Somfy® are additional benefits to consider. Call 866-879-9730 today to schedule a free, in-home consultation or go online at www.budgetblinds.com to find a Style Consultant near you, and celebrate your freedom to choose window fashions for every room in your home!
To learn more about how Budget Blinds supports veterans or to make a donation to either organization, check out the Giving Back section on our website:
