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Outstanding Charity: Highlights from the 33rd National Disabled Day Celebration

Event Overview

The 33rd National Disabled Day, organized by the Jiangsu Province Foundation for Disabled Persons, together with the Jiangsu Province Department of Civil Affairs and supported by Wuxi City TV station, was a remarkable event. This celebration saw the participation of 160 individuals, all deeply engaged in various charity activities. These prominent entities meticulously arranged the ceremony, showcasing their dedication to supporting disabled persons.

Highlight of the Ceremony: Award Presentation

One of the event’s key moments was the award ceremony, which honored entities providing “Outstanding Charity Support to the Disabled.” Among the thirteen organizations recognized, three were notable charity organizations. The Wheelchair Foundation (WCF) was the only international charity organization that has continuously provided support for many years. This accolade aims to inspire more companies and individuals to participate in charity-related activities.

Recognition for Continuous Support

The special award conferred upon the WCF is a testament to its unwavering support and significant contributions. Since the cooperation began in 2018, Wheelchair Foundation, despite numerous challenges, has donated 20,997 wheelchairs and 1,172 assistive devices. Even during the pandemic, the foundation’s commitment did not waver, ensuring continuous aid to those in need.

Encouraging Broader Participation

The recognition of Wheelchair Foundations’ efforts is intended to encourage broader participation from various sectors. By highlighting the foundation’s accomplishments, the organizers hope to motivate other entities to join the cause and support disabled persons. This collective effort is crucial in fostering an inclusive and supportive community.

Conclusion

The 33rd National Disabled Day was more than just a celebration; it was a call to action. Acknowledging organizations like the Wheelchair Foundation underscores the impact of sustained charitable efforts. As we celebrate these achievements, let us also be inspired to contribute and make a difference in the lives of disabled individuals.

Thank you for your participation in our cause and your help in creating a more inclusive world.

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A Holiday Message From Wheelchair Foundation President, David Behring

Dear Friends,

As I write my annual holiday letter, l am impressed at how far the world has progressed regarding COVID-19 compared just one year ago. Hospitalization and fatality rates have plunged, and we are gaining a much better understanding of this complicated disease. Most of the world is no longer afraid to visit friends, go to work, or travel. Although China still follows a “zero tolerance” protocol, it remains the exception rather than the rule. Globally, we are learning to “live with COVID-19” and continue to lead as normal of a life as we can.

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At Wheelchair Foundation, we are excited to be traveling to distributions because it is so important to be with wheelchair recipients and their families as they receive your much-needed Gifts of Mobility. Many of our donors and partners have made recent trips to Latin America and Africa. In early August, over 20 college classmates and I returned from a week-long trip to Peru, having joined with a dozen local Rotarians from Lima, who have acted as our partners and hosts since we started making this trek in 2002. During that week, we changed the lives of 500 individuals in towns in the high Andes that most people have never heard of due to their remote locations. Following International guidelines and the overall concern and safety for everyone, we wore N95 masks at the wheelchair distributions; I will say there is no substitute for the gratitude you receive from recipient families as they celebrate the instantly improved life of their loved ones. You might not have seen the physical smiles, but you could certainly detect the emotion in their eyes.

In the last week of September, 22 American Rotarians and I completed five distributions in Romania and Serbia. Again, we partnered with local Rotarians in those two countries, helping the physically disabled that do not have access to a wheelchair. Over 1,600,000 Ukrainians have passed through Romania since Russia invaded their country, with nearly 90,000 now calling Romania home. We anticipated that a relatively large number of these refugees would need wheelchairs; we were not prepared for just how great the need was. We delivered over 1,000 wheelchairs to children and adults in those two countries and your donations will continue to support individuals there and those around the world that lack the basic human right of mobility.

We launched Wheelchair Foundation in June 2000 with a ask of $150 to sponsor a new wheelchair. Despite many manufacturing and shipping price increases, we were able to maintain that level for 22 years. However, with the recent global rise in shipping and manufacturing costs, we are unable to provide wheelchairs at that amount, and the new price for a wheelchair will be $200 starting on October 1, 2022. If an individual or organization wishes to sponsor container quantities of wheelchairs, we will continue our policy of matching our partners dollar-for-dollar. In short, the donor contributes $28,000, and we grant the other $28,000. We thank you for your loyal support in helping us deliver over 1,160,000 wheelchairs across the globe, it is an incredible achievement that we can all take pride in.

Choose the gift of mobility this holiday season by dedicating gifts to your friends and family and sponsoring wheelchairs in the name, honor or memory of someone you love. For your donation of $200, you will receive a beautiful presentation folder with a photo of a recipient, and a personalized certificate thanking or honoring that special person in your life.

With your gift of $100 or more, we will send you a white triple-function pen with flashlight and stylus as a reminder of your generous donation. As an additional token of our appreciation, we will include our insulated grocery tote along with our 6xflip, 5000mah power bank, when you generously donate $500 or more.

No shopping, wrapping or shipping! Simply call us directly at 877.378.3839, or donate right here through our website. If you choose to send your donations in via traditional mail, send them to Wheelchair Foundation, 3820 Blackhawk Road, Danville, CA 94506. Please make your donations by December 10th to allow sufficient time for us to prepare and mail your customized presentation folders.

We at the Wheelchair Foundation are exceedingly grateful for your decision to provide the gift of mobility and allow us to continue the mission of reaching those in need around the world. Thank you for your generous support for those who are less fortunate than we are.

Happy Holidays!

Give The Gift of Mobility Today!
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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
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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.

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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.

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