It is estimated that at least 100 million children, teens and adults worldwide need a wheelchair but cannot afford one.
Some international organizations believe that the number could be as high as six per cent of the population of developing countries. The number in Angola is 20 per cent of a population of 12 million people.
Other “landmine” countries such as Afghanistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bosnia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Mozambique have extremely high physical disability rates.
The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation purchases wheelchairs from a manufacturer in China that builds quality, medical-grade wheelchairs designed to be easily maintainable in developing countries.
For every donation of $150, states the Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club, it can purchase and deliver a wheelchair to its international and national distribution partners through its partnership with the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation. Wheelchairs of similar quality would normally sell for $600 in Canada.
The wheelchairs are distributed worldwide through a network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have ongoing humanitarian relief missions in the countries of wheelchair destination.
These distribution partners handle all aspects of the importation and distribution of the wheelchairs to children who can now go to school, adults who can now go to work and seniors who can once again become an active part of family life and society.
Two hundred eighty wheelchair containers are sent to distribution partners in countries that have been identified as in great need. There are currently 109 countries on the list.
For every $150 tax-deductible donation, you will receive a personalized certificate of appreciation with a colour photograph of a wheelchair recipient — a person who had their quality of life greatly improved by the gift of a wheelchair. Charitable donation receipts will be given for any donation of $20 or more.
The wheelchairs are specifically designed for the rough conditions of developing countries. Extra-heavy wheels, tires and front casters, sealed bearings and nylon seating make these wheelchairs the best possible for most conditions.
Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to My Tech Guys, located at 5-2401 Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay, BC, V9N 2L5, or Jim’s Clothes Closet at 268A Fifth St. in Courtenay.
Donations can be made in person at the Strathcona Sunrise Rotary meeting, which takes place each Wednesday at 7 a.m. at the Best Western Westerly Hotel.
Cheques should be made payable to Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club and identified as donations to the Wheelchair Fund.
— Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club