Aug 7 2014 News release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Edmonton, August 7^th 2014.

 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1% of the total population (about 70 million) need a wheelchair.

In the developing world, only 5-15% of people with disabilities have access to assistive devices, which includes wheelchairs.

A conservative estimate of 40 million people living in low income countries require a wheelchair and do not have one.

 

Rotarians worldwide rose to the challenge and are determined to make a difference. The Rotary Club of Edmonton Strathcona (RCES), with the support of many clubs in district 5370 and other national and international clubs have distributed more than 3,000 wheelchairs during the last 5 years.

 

The president of RCES Stephanus Jansen van Vuuren commented on the wheelchair efforts “If Rotary can eradicate Polio from the world; it can definitely solve this one. We are determined to work relentlessly to address the issue”.

 

Currently, RCES is working on a pilot project to establish a Wheelchairs Provision and Assembly Centre (WPAC) in the Dominican Republic. RCES believes that a permanent presence is sustainable and can provide all the appropriate wheelchair services recommended by WHO.

 

As part of its community services and to create more awareness on the wheelchair issue RCES is hosting a donation ceremony on Tuesday August 19, 2014 at 12:00PM, to be held at:

German Canadian Cultural Association
8310 Roper Road NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 6E3

Join District 5370 Governor Linda Robertson, and District Governor Elect (2015-2016) Tim Schilds as we rally for this worthwhile cause. During this ceremony 50 wheelchairs will be donated to various Not-for-Profit and First Nations organizations.

 

For more information, please contact:

Hans Granholm

p: 780-466-5566
e: hgrdane@telusplanet.net

 

Rotary is a global network of community volunteer leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.
Rotary Club Edmonton Strathcona is a local participant in this global international and philanthropic organization.