(Burnaby, BC) On September 9, 2013 the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation held its Annual General Meeting at the offices of Loewen Kruse, the accounting firm of record. Loewen Kruse specializes in providing services to non-profit organizations and charities, working with a broad spectrum of clients in this sector.
The Executive Director, Christiana Flessner, reported on events that occurred during calendar 2012 including the following highlights:
NEW INITIATIVES
| INITIATIVE | BENEFITS |
| Introduction of indigenous wheelchair manufacturers in select countries, i.e. Indonesia | o Support local economyo Reduce shipping, duty and importation costs |
| Design and delivery of specialized pediatric wheelchairs called “Kanga” chairs to Mexico | o Superior support and comfort for userso Improved quality of life |
| Preparation of Strategic Plan in advance of CWF’s 10th year in 2013 | o Vision, Mission and Values affirmedo Key strategic goals identified in 4 result areaso Click here to view summary |
| Online donor survey | o Donor insights aided strategic planningo Increased donor engagement |
SUCCESSES
| SUCCESS | BENEFITS |
| Identified as one of the 8 Official ‘Knights of Columbus Charitable Programs’ | o Heightened awareness and credibilityo Increased national support and donations |
| Importation procedure established for first-ever Russian wheelchair delivery | o Expand destination countries for mobility projects |
| First Global Grant approval under new Rotary International Future Vision for major Indonesia multi-facet project | o Developed procedure template to guide other Rotary clubs and districts applying for grantso Significantly increased financial scope of mobility projects |
| Increased recognition by The Rotary Foundation | o Greater support for CWF mobility programs at district and club levels |
| ED recognized by 2013 Surrey Board of Trade Women in Business Not-for-Profit Leader Award | o Enhanced exposure and credibility for CWF in communityo Access to potential new corporate partners |
CHANGES
| CHANGES | OUTCOMES |
| Delay in receiving shipping details for some committed wheelchair distributions | o Increase in cash on hand at fiscal year-end over prior year |
| Linda Whitehead added to team in role of Strategic Development | o Enhanced donor support and strategic focuso Decrease in Executive Director time to 80% |
| New member of Board of Directors | o Sandy Wightman welcomed to Board of Directors; click here to view Sandy’s bioo Gerry Swan thanked for his contributions |
Ms. Flessner reported that close to 2,000 wheelchairs were delivered in calendar 2012, bringing the total wheelchairs distributed to date to over 33,000 in 40 countries around the world. Of particular note, during 2012 these figures included 145 specific-order wheelchairs such as those designed for more active users and specialized pediatric wheelchairs. With an estimated 10 people positively impacted for every wheelchair provided, together with our partners we have touched the lives of more than 350,000 worldwide.
Loewen Kruse reported total donations received during the 2012 fiscal period were $518,232, compared with $365,679 in 2011, representing a 42% increase. The 2012 expenses were well within the CRA guidelines established for Canadian non-profit organizations and an expenditure overview is available by clicking on this link.
The staff and Board of Directors would like to thank all of our dedicated partners which now number over 6,000 around the globe. With your heartfelt generosity and continued support we have been able to expand our gifts of mobility and positively affect the families and communities of those we serve.
Background
The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation is an independent Canadian registered charity with the goal to deliver brand new, free wheelchairs to persons with physical disabilities throughout the world who are without mobility or the means to acquire a wheelchair. With a strong focus on developing and newly industrialized states, the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation continues to change the lives of people and communities with a gift that extends hope, dignity, opportunity and independence to all.