Background/History of Project:
In 2013 Woody Saddler (PDG) of Rotary District 7570 started raising money for two containers of wheelchairs to go to the southern Caribbean. Since that time, the Chatham Rotary Club has partnered with the District to send a financial contribution each year. Besides that contribution, occasionally a member will volunteer to go and participate in giving wheelchairs to those in need.
Project Overview:
In 2025, Phil Mauger, Treasurer of the Chatham Club went with the 7570 Delegation to Argentina to help in the distribution of the chairs. The 8-day visit incorporated travel to Mendoza and Cardoba to assist with the chairs and their recipients. These recipients lacked any type of mobility help and could not afford their own. It was an eye-opening and heart-warming experience to see the happiness and appreciation in the eyes of those receiving their own wheelchair!
Community Impact:
Immediately the impact for the recipients is evident in the gift of mobility; it provides accessibility, inclusion and dignity to each individual. In addition, empowering those who need mobility has an impact on the community development of their respective towns and villages. A container holds between 250 to 280 wheelchairs. Each wheelchair affects, on average, 7 family members. Over 2,000 lives are impacted for every container.
