Wheelchairs- The Next Level

Raymond Merhej, Peter DeNooy, Shirley and Al Bergsma

The program of August 20 was filled with fun, surprises and a lot of hope for the wheelchair commitment of our club.

Having helped to provide over 2000 wheelchairs over the past few years, we have learned a few things.

The outcome of wanting to improve our programs has developed into something quite exciting.

Rather than assembling and distributing chairs in a particular area and leaving, the planners have unveiled a system where a wheelchair shop is set up near the area that much work can be done before and after a wheelchair is given away.

The shop will receive a container of un-assembled chairs. 600 chairs rather than 200. The chairs will be more rugged to meet the local requirements. Fitting and call back adjustments will be possible as will ongoing requirements. Small orders by any charity can be custom fit to fit a budget, no huge commitments and annual projects if desired.

A great presentation is being fine tuned to 19 minutes and our club members can get involved in bringing this need to reality.

A Rotary Sustainability Grant to ensure the project goes forward year after year has been put into place with thanks to Al Bergsma of the Rocky Mountain House Club.

A lot more work is required obviously. Get involved. Talk to Raymond.