Noah’s Bagels, the Wheelchair Foundation and members of Contra Costa Firefighters Local 1230 gave hope, mobility and freedom to those less fortunate in Walnut Creek, CA during a wheelchair distribution and press event on Tuesday, March 15th.
Noah’s Bagels raised funds through its 81 stores in California, Oregon and Washington, which will provide over 650 wheelchairs to physically disabled individuals in these three states. Local firefighters in all three states are involved in the distribution, along with local organizations that assist the physically disabled.
On hand for the ceremony were representatives from the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, Marin Ventures and the Alameda County Medical Center. These organizations among others will help place the free wheelchairs into the hands of people in need of mobility but without the means to acquire a wheelchair.
Some front line firefighters in California estimate that up to 2/3 of their calls are medical related, and many of those people are without mobility. Now with the ability to get free wheelchairs for those people found in the course of duty, firefighters are able to help improve the quality of life for these people and feel great about it.
Wheelchair Foundation Director, Chris Lewis (son of Muscular Dystrophy Association National Chairman Jerry Lewis) hosted the event on the 15th. Since 1954 the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has raised over $200 million for the fight against muscular dystrophy. During his tenure as the former president of Contra Costa Firefighters Local 1230, California Professional Firefighters (CPF) President Lou Paulson has forged a committed relationship with Chris Lewis and the Wheelchair Foundation over the last few years.
“These are good people doing good work, and it is a natural fit for us,” said CPF President Paulson. “Firefighters are exposed to people every day that are in need of mobility assistance, and we are very proud to be involved with the mission of the Wheelchair Foundation. We look forward to helping as many people as we can throughout North America, and being able to see lives of families changed in an immediate and positive way.”