WHEELCHAIR PROJECT: JAMAICA
A ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PROJECT
Rotary area of focus: Disease prevention and treatment
Background/History of Project:
The Wheelchair Foundation was founded in 2000 by by real estate developer Ken Behring, and based in Danville, California. It is a 501(c3) Foundation with a goal to provide a free wheelchair to every child, teen and adult who needs one but has no means to acquire one. Rotary Clubs world-wide partner with The Wheelchair Foundation to bring their mission to the world.
Project Overview:
This year Chatham Rotary Club was represented by one of our own, as he journeyed to Jamaica to help with the distribution of wheelchairs. Along with help of Rotary Clubs from around the globe, the Wheelchair Foundation has been able to deliver more than 895,000 wheelchairs worldwide. A wheelchair distribution is a hands-on Rotary project. Together, we’ve changed hundreds of thousands of lives with the gift of mobility — changing the lives of not only the recipients of these wheelchairs, but the families, and their communities, putting smiles and tears of joy on many faces!
Collaboration and Funding
Club member funded in collaboration with Rotary District 7570.
Impact Statement:
Due to cost-prohibitiveness of wheelchairs, access to a wheelchair isn’t accessible to everyone who needs them. Distribution of wheelchairs in countries of need to improve mobility and quality of life in day-to-day activities.
