By: Dennis Robillard,
Crutches 4 Africa
District 7780 Chair 2021-2022
 
Crutches 4 Africa has been a district project since 2010 and since that time the district has sent 10 forty-foot containers overseas. We will be sending our 11th on July 31, 2021. Each item we send changes someone’s life and since the district has been involved, we have changed over 30,000 lives. We have sent more containers than any group/district in the country and for that we all should be immensely proud.
 
Here are 2 examples of How and Who we help. 
 
Crutches 4 Africa is a nonprofit organization located in Denver CO. The founder David Talbot is a polio survivor and fellow Rotarian who started the organization in 2005 after visiting Uganda. While there he saw a woman hopping on one leg because her right foot was permanently touching the back of her right shoulder, picture that in your mind for a moment. Under her right arm was a broken tree branch used to support herself as she hopped. You can view a 3-minute video on some of the people that that C4A has come in contact with while in Africa. Click HERE to view.  
 
We collect mobility devices (medical waste in this country) and send to developing countries. These devices include cutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, baby joggers and foot air casts.  
 
 
 
Storage Space Needed
 
We have had free storage since the beginning but we have had to move several times.  This is happening again. Our storage location in Biddeford, Maine, has been sold and the new owners want the use of their space.
 
Ideally we would like to find new storage space in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, if possible. Approximately 1500+ square feet are needed. Another option would be to have smaller “satellite” storage spots around the district.
 
If you have space or know of someone that does, please let me know. The fair market value of the donated space can be a tax deduction. If you or anyone has a question, please feel free to contact me. A possible short-term solution could be the use of some space on a temporary basis.
 
Additional information can be found by reading the Saco Bay News article by Liz Gotthelf at https://sacobaynews.com/storage-space-needed-for-local-crutches-4-africa-effort.
 
Thanks
 
Dennis
 
 
District 7780 Chair 2021-2022
risc@maine.rr.com
C-207-468-0443