fbpx
DONATE NOW
, ,

District 5170 Tri-Valley Evening Rotary Helping Provide Literacy and Mobility in Guatemala

Contributed by Sara Ennor and Glenn Tupper – Photos Glenn Tupper

The Tri-valley Evening Rotary’s Guatemala Wheelchair Distribution and Literacy Project 2023 aimed to provide mobility and promote literacy in Guatemala. The project distributed over 140 wheelchairs to poor and indigenous people in Guatemala City, Antigua, and surrounding villages with the help of experienced Rotarians and local clubs.

Norberta Sanchez Alvarez (above) is a 55-year-old polio survivor who has been confined to a basement room her entire life. Her father is her primary caregiver.  She was a seamstress and her father runs a small store to earn some money for food. Glenn donated a wheelchair that was the first-ever shot at mobility for her. Glenn spent time with her, held her hand, and told her she was loved.

Hugo Leonel Pineda is a 23-year-old who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident. He is recovering at his mom’s house in a bare room. He was working in carpentry before the accident.

Santos Xingo Gomez is a 7-year old who is deformed from the waist down, suffers from severe metal disability, and has frequent outbursts of anger. His mother has two other children and on the way. A wheelchair is a big help for her.

Demetrio Hernandez Lopez is an 81-year-old man who lives in a shack and was injured in a ladder accident 24 years ago. He is paid to watch over a property and keep vagrants/squatters away. His wife died three years ago from an infection sustained in a traffic accident. He has a super busted up wheelchair that he manages to drag with his feet. Receiving a new wheelchair is a life-changing event and will better allow Demetrio to exist with greater ease. He is a kind gentleman with a sweet smile. – Glenn Tupper

/by

Providing Mobility For Ukraine

Within a few weeks of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we received a desperate plea from the Director of the Dzherelo Centre in Lviv, Ukraine.  This facility took care of 400 children and young people with severe disabilities.  As the war broke out, they started to take in dozens of refugee families with disabled children.  They had to get out quickly, leaving their wheelchairs behind and “carrying their children to us with their bare hands”.  The Centre fed and housed them and administered medicine but lacked mobility devices.  They requested 100 of our specialized Kanga wheelchairs and 150 of the regular ones.  Our staff immediately went into action and placed the order which would arrive five months later after being manufactured, shipped to Poland and then taken by truck through war zones into eastern Ukraine.

Volunteers unloading one of the containers arriving at Dzherelo Centre in Lviv, Ukraine.

The Wheelchair Foundation prides itself in acting quickly to help the victims of a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina and the recent Hurricane Ian here in America, or the devastating earthquake that leveled Haiti.  Now we are moving rapidly to help provide mobility for the refugees, the estimated 10,000 severely injured civilians and the over 30,000 wounded Ukrainian soldiers.  A second order of 280 wheelchairs is on its way and several Rotary clubs and districts have combined forces with the Rotary Foundation to secure a Disaster Relief Grant to provide a third container.  The genesis for this container came after the Crown Prince and Princess of Serbia showed a live video feed during a hosted luncheon in which the Director of a non-profit organization on the ground in Eastern Ukraine described the horrific effects of the war and the skyrocketing casualties.  In addition to the children’s hospitals, he said “we are now focusing on the new areas that have been freed of Russians such as Kherson.  In that area there are 10 hospitals, and the Russians took everything when they departed leaving empty buildings.  We are trying to re-equip these smaller hospitals and clinics with wheelchairs.”

As serendipity would have it, Don Routh, one of our longtime major donors, just happened to have a cousin helping the Ukrainians and was in a hospital when our first wheelchairs arrived.  He had witnessed the carnage firsthand on the battlefield and described to Don the huge impact that our wheelchairs had on the civilians and soldiers overwhelming the hospitals.  Don was so moved by his stories that he contacted our office and wanted to use the funds he has raised towards a fourth container which will arrive in the Spring.

The Ukrainian people have demonstrated their bravery and resilience fighting for their freedom as they endure the most fierce and relentless shelling since World War II.  The casualty rates have been staggering and will probably not ebb for several months.  The Wheelchair Foundation is honored that we can help over 1000 children, adults and soldiers during this dire period in our world’s history.  We are deeply grateful to all the Rotarians and donors who have stepped up to make this possible.

The need for wheelchairs continues to be a great one, not only in Ukraine, but around the world. You can donate to Wheelchair Foundation by clicking the button below. Every dollar makes a difference, and we appreciate you helping us continuing our mission of providing mobility to those that need it around the world.

Happy Holidays to you and your families,

Wheelchair Foundation

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY
/by
,

DONOR AND BENEFICIARY: A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Following is the Interview with Richard Flanders, former Governor of District 5170 in California, USA, highlighting the delivery of a container of 130 wheelchairs to the United Rotary Fund of Mexico, in memory of Kenneth Behring and Frank Devlyn. 

At the YMCA facilities in Mexico City, there was a gathering including Presidents from 10 Rotary Clubs from District 4170, representatives from the Wheelchair Foundation, Rotarians from District 5170, as well as recipients of the wheelchairs. 

Ernesto Benítez Valle: It is a pleasure to have you here in the offices of Rotary in Mexico. How many times have you been in Mexico City? 

Richard Flanders: I have been to Mexico several times, but this is my second time in Mexico City. 

How long have you been a Rotarian? 

I joined Rotary in 1994, so I have been a Rotarian for 28 years and when I joined, I was 28 years old. 

 What was your experience as District Governor? 

It was a challenge due to the pandemic. Membership has always been a challenge, especially in the last two years. It was a primary focus during my year. We were also able to work with all clubs to contribute to The Rotary Foundation, raising 2.8 million, a huge success! In terms of wheelchairs, the original goal was to collect one container representing 42,000 dollars, but this project has been so popular that we were able to collect much more, totaling 5 containers of wheelchairs. 

How did the idea about wheelchairs come about? 

It emerged three years ago when I came to Mexico City and I was part of a team to deliver wheelchairs in this city. Frank Devlyn coordinated the last distribution in 2019 and, therefore, I wanted to return to Mexico City to bring another container of chairs, because it is very satisfying to help the people who can’t buy one. It touches my heart in the deepest way. 

Who joined you for this trip? 

There are 31 Rotarians and four children from my district on this trip. Many had never been to a wheelchair distribution event and some have never participated in any international projects. I believe that this project and the experience of being in another country with people who need the wheelchairs will touch their hearts and many will want to do more when they get back to their Rotary clubs. 

What was the best moment of this project? 

The best moment is being able to support people who need help, when we give something to people who can’t buy it on their own, and by doing that, we improve their lives. The second best moment is when all of us who are here providing 

wheelchairs have our lives changed as well. First-timers will want to do more in Rotary or in different humanitarian projects for people who need our help as a result of this experience. 

Why do you work with FURMEX? 

Frank Devlyn introduced us to FURMEX three years ago. Reiner assured us that by working with FURMEX, we would know that the funds and goods we buy and we send will reach the intended beneficiaries instead of going to different sources that might not deliver them. This is the reason we work with FURMEX. 

What is your final message for the people in Mexico? 

Rotary is an organization that has networks around the world and through this organization we can do a lot of good things to support people who need our help. Rotary is a great organization for its global presence with clubs throughout the world. This network ensures that the assets and funds we collect will reach the right place because we trust Rotarians in other parts of the world, since we have so much in common: Rotary. 

Reiner Kurt Jahn 

President , Fondo Unido Rotario de México , A.C. 

Thanks to the generosity of District 5170 (led by now PDG) Richard Flanders and the Wheelchair Foundation from California, we received a container of wheelchairs at FURMEX. The intention was to donate to the Rotary Club Frank Devlyn International in memory of Frank Devlyn, founder of FURMEX and said club, as well as in memory by Kenneth Behring founder of the Wheelchair Foundation. 

Together with participating Rotary clubs, we have delivered more than 100 chairs to the beneficiaries of Mexico City and communities in the State of Mexico. We established strong links with Rotarians in California and spread the spirit of Rotary and FURMEX with the support of the media. 

I want to congratulate the 15 Rotary clubs who participated with great dedication, as well as to the Rotaract and Interact youth of District 4170 who spread their enthusiasm by helping during all phases of the wheelchair distribution. 

THANK YOU to everyone who “raised awareness and took action” to make this delivery of wheelchairs possible to all beneficiaries, improving their quality of life. 

DONATE TODAY
/by
,

ROYAL COUPLE OF SERBIA DELIVERS WHEELCHAIRS FOR SERBIAN INSTITUTIONS

Belgrade, 25 September 2022 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine delivered today 55 wheelchairs for institutions and organizations across Serbia, in presence of HE Christopher Hill, the Ambassador of the United States of America, and the donors, at the White Palace. This is the continuation of Their Royal Highnesses’ long-time support to institutions and organizations in Serbia, and the needs of people with disabilities.

This valuable donation was made possible thanks to the Wheelchair Foundation which has for many years supported the efforts of Their Royal Highnesses to provide aid to the people of Serbia, the President of the Foundation, Mr. David Behring, and the tremendous generosity of the US Rotary members from Northern California and the Los Angeles / San Diego area, who raised necessary funds for this project. In addition to the wheelchairs, Crown Princess also delivered toys for children with disabilities today.

The total number of 270 wheelchairs is designated for Serbia, with a total value of more than USD 150,000, from which 215 wheelchairs will be delivered by Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation for Uzice Health Centre and Old People’s Home in Belgrade, and Crown Princess Katherine’s Foundation distributed 55 wheelchairs to representatives of 8 institutions today. The delivery was organized in the White Palace and attended by HE Christopher Hill, with his wife Mrs. Julie Hill, Prof. Dr. Alexander Ljubic from the Royal Medical Board, and members of the US Rotary whose generosity made this possible, led by Mr. Richard Flanders, District Governor of Rotary club, who also addressed today and spoke about the humanitarian activities of the Club.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander, as the host, addressed the people present, highlighting the great importance of this donation, which will provide much-needed relief to anyone using a wheelchair. His Royal Highness expressed his gratitude to Mr. Behring, the Wheelchair Foundation, and US Rotary, for their significant contribution, and for them recognizing the significance of Crown Princess Katherine and her Foundation’s work and efforts.

HE Mr. Christopher Hill commended Her Royal Highness and her Foundation for all the aid they are providing for the people of Serbia. He also said that these great efforts are much appreciated and will bring more benefits to those that need help the most in the future.

Mr. Behring, President of the Wheelchair Foundation, in his speech said that he is very happy to continue the work of his father, previous President of the Foundation, who started cooperation with Crown Princess Katherine for the good of the people of Serbia. Great cooperation between the Wheelchair Foundation and Crown Princess Katherine’s Foundation is longer than a decade – the first donation was in 2006 when together they provided 280 wheelchairs for the medical institutions in Serbia. Crown Prince and Crown Princess are very proud that, for many years now, they are members of the Board of Advisors of the Wheelchair Foundation.

“Wheelchairs are means of living for people with disabilities; they are a necessity for them so they can work, perform everyday responsibilities, and have an independent life. And it is very important to provide wheelchairs to people who can not afford them themselves.

In addition to helping the institutions and organizations, we also want to remind the public of the difficulties that people with disabilities have in their everyday life. That is why it is very important for more people to get involved in this cause, in order to raise the awareness of society. Only in this way, when we are united to support them, we can provide a brighter future for children and persons with disabilities. I want to see them as equal members of society, and I am sure you all share my opinion.

Many great people have made great achievements and contributions to the world and humanity from wheelchairs. Many people are changing the world for the better in wheelchairs, whose achievements will be celebrated in the future. These silent heroes, millions in the world and thousands in Serbia, who care and earn for themselves and their families, deserve our help and support”, stated HRH Crown Princess Katherine.

The facilities which received donations are: Special Psychiatric Hospital “Gornja Toponica”, Association for cerebral and children’s palsy of Serbia, Home for children and persons with difficulties in intellectual development “Dr. Nikola Sumenković”, Stamnica, Home for children and youth without parental care “Hristina Markesic”, Aleksinac, Home for protection of children, infants and youth Zvecanska, Belgrade, Elementary school “The 6th October”, Kikinda, Home for Accommodation of Elderly Kulina, and Association for providing support to families with children with developmental difficulties “Sidro” from Kragujevac.

/by

Wheelchairs to El Salvador

In December of 2021, Wheelchair Foundation worked with Airline Ambassadors International, Kiwanis International, and US Army Southern Command to deliver 100 wheelchairs to the country of El Salvador to assist  The Fund for the Protection of Disabled and Disabled as a Result of the Armed Conflict (FOPROLYD). The content below was written by Airline Ambassadors International and the original can be viewed on their website here.

Many Thanks to the Wheelchair Foundation for providing 100 Wheelchairs as well as canes, walkers, and mobility equipment for Veterans in El Salvador.  The donations were readied for shipment and we appreciate the Denton Program and US Army Southern Command providing transport for this aid to support the government of El Salvador.

Airline Ambassadors is part of the Denton Program where the US Military assists NGOs with humanitarian assistance.  The aid was delivered to El Salvador in November and the first wheelchair distribution took place on Dec.3rd, 2021! Matt Beinke, Luis Urrea, and Dr. Pablo Guzman joined the first delivery to veterans and victims of the civil war in El Salvador within the framework of the National and International Day of the Person with Disabilities. Together with our 25-year local partner, Kiwanis International, we assisted The Fund for the Protection of Disabled and Disabled as a Result of the Armed Conflict (FOPROLYD). The entire program was both conceived and resourced by the Office of the President through his brothers. William Bent, Consul General of the USA, Matt Beinke, and Laura Corpeno of Kiwanis Village made comments.

The donation and ceremony was made at the facilities of Parque Cuscatlán, in San Salvador and featured the AAI partners of The Wheelchair Foundation, Kiwanis El Salvador, and the United States Embassy, ​​all of who support the efforts that institutions such as FOPROLYD do for people with disabilities in El Salvador.  See this short video that tells the story!

“A wheelchair is one of the means of assistance for use to improve personal mobility, a precondition for enjoying human rights and a dignified life, which also helps people with disabilities to become more productive members of their families. communities; for this reason, a wheelchair can constitute the first step towards inclusion and participation in our society ”, stated the Board of Directors of INABVE and honorary president of FOPROLYD, Ing. Ortiz.

According to the U.S. Southern Command’s Denton Program, the total donation received is valued at over $73,000 and includes transportation of various mobility tools such as wheelchairs for adults, walkers, canes, and crutches, which will be delivered this month to beneficiaries who require them for their mobility and whose disability is related to other chronic diseases and injuries sustained from the civil conflict.

FOPROLYD is an autonomous government institution responsible for the care and monitoring of the rehabilitation process, productive reintegration, the timely granting of economic benefits to people who were injured and disabled as a result of the armed conflict that took place in El Salvador; as well as to the relatives of combatants who died in the said conflict, who lost their family protection, through the delivery of the benefits contemplated in the Law of Benefit for the Protection of the Crippled and Disabled as a Result of the Armed Conflict.

AAI has additionally used a warehouse at the Special Operations Command’s Headquarters at Homestead Airbase in Florida to provide the HA (Humanitarian Aid) to troops as they deploy with their Southern Command national partners.  Recipients had tears in their eyes as they received their gifts.

After the delivery, we gave friends from the Wheelchair  Foundation a tour to look at possible development projects including visits to Projects of Gente Ayudando Gente, a helicopter tour of Bitcoin City and the beaches, and visits to Surf City – La Palapa, and even a Coffe Farm.

Thank you for the support from Dave Rivard, Alejandro Fernandez, Luis Urrea, and all who helped to make this possible!

See pictures below of the arrival in San Salvador on a C-130 on November 5th, 2021.

/by