Rotary: Wheel Chair Foundation

Last week Christiana Flessner the Executive Director of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation and member of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club spoke to us about the Wheelchair’s Foundation’s work around the world.  

The Canadian Wheelchair foundation was formed in 2002 inspired by a Rotary 5050 Assembly when we first heard of the need and benefits.

Not only do wheelchairs provide independence to people, they certainly complement Rotary’s Polio Mission as demonstrated in the beautifully shot video that Christiana showed the club.  Polio victims who were destined to crawl for their lives were instantly given mobility and dignity with the arrival of their new chair.

Our very own Ann Hulbert benefitted from a wheelchair from the Great Britain Branch when injured in South Africa last November.  Ann proved the durability and importance of the chair as it allowed her to continue her visit.  

Each chair costs $150 and will provide many years of benefits to the recipients.  There are never enough chairs and anyone interested in supporting the foundation can contact them at their website – www.cdnwheelchair.ca to see how they can participate.

Christiana’s also the District Annual Giving Chair, the District Club Extension Chair and also Chairs the Club Visioning for the District – clearly she has too much time on her hands.