Crutches 4 Africa
 
District 7780 and Crutches 4 Africa (C4A) has been collecting mobility devices (MD’S) since 2009 and sent our first 40’ container in May of 2011 and have continued to send a 40’ container every year since 2011. 
 
Our ninth container was loaded on May 11, 2019 and arrived in Gambia the second week of July 2019.
 
The next highest total of containers sent by a district is 3 Through the years many many Rotarians and friends have helped in the collection, processing and shipping of these nine containers. My guess is at least 1000 people have assisted in our efforts throughout the years.
 
A few years ago, Jim Schmidt of the RC of Portland Sunrise was in Uganda with his wife doing a distribution trip.by themselves as the founder of C4A Dave Talbot was recovering from severe medical issues and was not able to go on the trip. I received the following text on Mother’s Day, and it is copied and pasted just as it was sent.
 
Good morning Dennis

I'm in Uganda distributing that load of MD's that shipped out of ME last Nov.  at least I believe that is where the MD's came from. 

During our first distribution yesterday I thought often of you and the very valuable service you provide to C4A.  We arrived at this community center distribution location late afternoon where we found probably 75+ people waiting.  Many many disabled children and adults.  The need was more than I had ever seen before.  We had twenty WC's and could have used at least twice as many.  The children and adult crawlers were the most sad to see.  I tell you Dennis it made me almost weep to see these sick and disabled people.  Again particularly the children.  The work you do is needed so much that I just wanted to make sure you knew what great service it is to the world of disabled people in Africa.  

We also gave out many crutches and walkers but the WC's I think make greatest difference for those that are most severely disabled. 

Today is Sunday so unable to distribute.  We begin visiting refugee camps tomorrow.  Will be here until May 18.  It feels weird to be here without Dave but he has I think taught us well.  We miss him. 

If u would like to hear more about the trip here we could meet for lunch or coffee after I get back.  mostly just wanted you to know how much the work you do for C4A does to improve lives of disabled people.  You prob know all this already but after yesterday felt compelled to get in touch and to say thank you. 
 
Jim uses the word you several times and he is talking about us, the Rotarians and friends of District 7780 who have made this project so successful  In Jim’s text he also uses the word crawlers and many of you might not know the meaning of that word never mind having seen one.  A crawler is a person that can’t walk, and their mobility is limited to crawling on the ground. See end of article for a picture.
 
There is a short video 3:31 showing how people show up at a distribution site, which can be seen by clicking
 
This project changes the life of each person it connects with and there aren’t many projects that can make this statement. Through the years many different clubs have assisted our efforts and I want to especially thank the following people and their clubs for their continual support.
 
Tom Wilbur of the Freeport Club
Dave Anderson of the Hampton Club
Don Drew of the Sebago Lake Club
Jan Chapman and Bruce Moore of the Portland Club
Bill Hurley of the Portsmouth Club
Dave Walsh of the Portland Sunrise Club
 
If you would like to learn about how your club can get involved in this great project, or you need a speaker please contact me.
 
Dennis Robillard
Crutches 4 Africa
District 7780 Chair 2019-2020
C-207-468-0443
risc@maine.rr.com