Last June, the 81 Noah’s Bagels stores in California, Oregon and Washington kicked off a fund raising effort to provide free wheelchairs to people who need one but cannot afford one. 

Noah’s presented a check for over $50,000 to the Wheelchair Foundation, which will provide more than 600 wheelchairs 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).

There will be a wheelchair distribution and press event Tuesday, March 15th at 11:00am in Walnut Creek at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant.  Attendees will include representatives from Noah’s, front line firefighters, the Wheelchair Foundation and local organizations involved in assisting the physically disabled in our community.

“This year we have joined in partnership with The Wheelchair Foundation to help 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

The Wheelchair Foundation (www.wheelchairfoundation.org) has delivered over 300,000 wheelchairs to people in more than 130 countries in its first four years. Currently, up to 10,000 wheelchairs per month are being delivered worldwide.  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 81 company-owned and two licensed stores, largely in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.