Featured Company Partner: Anne Lund and Microsoft

Anne Lund , a dedicated 微软 employee, has been a driving force behind the company’s impactful partnership with Free Wheelchair Mission . Over the past couple years, Anne has co-organized innovative events that not only raised critical funds for wheelchairs, but also brought her colleagues together for a common cause.

Last spring, Anne and her colleagues organized a Move for Mobility 5K, which was hosted at Microsoft’s newly unveiled East Campus in Redmond. This second annual event doubled in participation from the previous year, with 30 Microsoft employees and vendors joining to make a difference. Anne and her team creatively infused the event with meaningful elements, such as:

• Recipient Stories: Along the walking paths, participants encountered powerful stories and images of wheelchair recipients, reflecting on the life-transforming impact of mobility.
• Hands-On Experiences: Showcasing wheelchairs from Free Wheelchair Mission, participants were able to simulate the challenges faced by those who rely on wheelchairs to get around.
• A Team Member Tribute: The event took on special significance for the staff as it celebrated the life of a beloved team member who recently passed away and left behind a tremendous legacy of giving.

Anne’s personal journey with mobility challenges has deeply shaped her commitment to Free Wheelchair Mission. Having relied on a wheelchair during her recovery from a traumatic injury, she better understands the profound impact that mobility can have on independence, connection, and everyday moments of life.

Her passion has inspired her Microsoft colleagues to join her in championing Free Wheelchair Mission on several occasions. Since 2023, Anne and her team organized impactful efforts such as:

1. Lego-Themed “Building Mobility” Fundraiser: A virtual and hybrid initiative where teams participated in a creative Lego building challenge, culminating in a virtual visit from Free Wheelchair Mission founder, Don Schoendorfer .
2. Move for Mobility 5K: An in-person walkathon along Microsoft’s beautiful campus.
3. Microsoft Matching: With Microsoft’s 1:1 match, team members were able to take one $48 donation and turn it into the cost of one $96 wheelchair.

These efforts raised funds for over 150 life-transforming wheelchairs, making a tangible difference for individuals in need.

Anne reflected on this success: “Our team really connected with the mission of Free Wheelchair Mission because it aligns so closely with [Microsoft]’s mission.? Hearing the stories of wheelchair recipients highlighted the "multiplying effect" one wheelchair can have in empowering the life of a recipient—not only on an individual level but also the impact on families and communities.”

Microsoft’s mission to empower every person on the planet aligns seamlessly with Free Wheelchair Mission’s mission: to provide the transforming gift of mobility to people with disabilities living in developing countries. Anne’s leadership and her team’s dedication demonstrate how any corporation’s commitment to giving back can have a profound impact.

Through Microsoft’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Anne has fostered a culture of philanthropy and inclusion. The team’s engagement with Free Wheelchair Mission has not only strengthened their bond but also deepened their sense of purpose.

Anne is already planning future events, aiming for even greater participation and impact: “Looking ahead, I'm looking forward to continuing the partnership with Free Wheelchair Mission and looking for opportunities to have even greater impact in future events.”

Are you inspired by Anne Lund and Microsoft’s story? You, too, can transform lives through the gift of mobility! Here are some ways to get started:

• Host your own Move for Mobility event in May with your company or team.
• Partner with Free Wheelchair Mission through additional fundraising or volunteer opportunities.
• Sponsor and attend our annual Miracle of Mobility event—either in person or virtually.

Learn more at our Company Engagement Page or contact us at [email protected].