Noah's Bagels is Taking a Bite Out of Immobility

During the month of June, the 81 Noah’s Bagels stores in California, Oregon and Washington kicked off a fund raising effort to provide wheelchairs to people who need one but cannot afford one.  Soon, the fruits of that effort will be changing the lives of individuals in California, Oregon and Washington.

At an event at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum in Danville, Noah’s Bagels presented a check for $45,000 to Wheelchair Foundation Founder Ken Behring. The money was collected as part of a June promotional fund-raising effort at all 81 Noah’s Bagels locations in the three western states. Thanks to the donation, 600 wheelchairs will be delivered to physically disabled individuals in these three states. The wheelchairs will be distributed by front line firefighters through a partnership with California Professional Firefighters (CPF) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

“This year we have joined in partnership with The Wheelchair Foundation to raise funds for people without mobility in and around the neighborhoods where we do business,” said Dan Dominguez, Senior Vice President of Operations with Noah’s Bagels. “I am extremely proud of our employees who gave so much of
themselves, and our fabulous customers who very generously supported this humanitarian effort.”

“We are very happy to have Noah’s joining our partnership to end immobility in our local communities,” said Wheelchair Foundation founder Kenneth Behring. “Working with us and the firefighters, Noahs’ dedication will make a difference to hundreds who need a wheelchair, but cannot afford one”

“As first responders, our firefighters understand the devastation caused by immobilizing injuries and also understand the meaning of commitment to our communities,” said Lou Paulson, President of California Professional Firefighters. “It is a privilege for us to be involved in an effort that will have such a profound impact on the quality of life for our neighbors.”

The Wheelchair Foundation (www.wheelchairfoundation.org) has delivered over 270,000 wheelchairs to people in more than 129 countries in its first four years. Currently, more than 10,000 wheelchairs per month are being delivered internationally.  Each $75 donated sponsors the delivery of a wheelchair that would sell for over $500 in a medical supply store. Noah’s Bagels, (www.noahs.com) a part of the New World Restaurant Group, operates 83 company-owned and two licensed stores, largely in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.